Diamond-producing nations open a meeting on Tuesday to review global efforts to prevent trade in the gems from fuelling conflicts, with an eye on alleged abuses in Zimbabwe and Venezuela's recent suspension.
An international scheme known as the Kimberley Process, named after the South African mining town, was launched in 2003 with the aim of curbing the flow of "blood diamonds" into the mainstream market.
Namibia, which currently heads the process, is hosting the three-day meeting to deliberate on efforts to further curb the illegal diamond trade blamed for financing wars in developing countries.
"The clock is running out on Kimberley Process credibility," said Annie Dunnebacke of the London-based Global Witness, which monitors the exploitation of natural resources.
Global Witness has pointed to worries over smuggling, money laundering and human rights abuses in the world's alluvial diamond fields.
Source: Mail & Guardian
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