AWDC praises Marange agreement reached by KP
ANTWERP, November 6, 2011 – The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) has congratulated the Kimberley Process with the Marange agreement on the enabling of the immediate export of rough diamonds from two KP-compliant operations in the Marange region of Zimbabwe, as well as exports from other mining operations in the area following the KP Monitoring Team’s verification of compliance.
“The agreement is a very important milestone in the history of KP. After 2 years this agreement on the Marange region was reached through patience, perseverance, hope and trust from all the KP members,” said Ari Epstein, CEO of the AWDC.
“The agreement doesn’t only mean stability. It also proves once again that the Kimberley Process is the only framework that really works. It protects both the integrity of the rough diamond chain and the benefit of the producing countries. AWDC always protected the KP very thoroughly through its Diamond Office, and will continue to do so in the future.”
Eighty percent of all rough diamonds worldwide pass through Antwerp.
The Diamond Office, part of AWDC, is the single entry and exit point for all imports and exports of diamond shipments.
The Federal Public Service Economy (Licence Service) and Customs supervise diamond shipments. A physical inspection is carried out on incoming and outgoing shipments for all categories of diamonds. In addition, the Diamond Office plays a crucial role in the campaigns to combat smuggling, money laundering and the trade in conflict diamonds.
