Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of the De Beers Group, today congratulated the South African Government on successfully steering the Kimberley Process over the last three and half years. In Sun City, South Africa, members of the Process agreed on measures that will provide regular, effective and credible monitoring for rough diamond export procedures around the world.
Mr. Oppenheimer said: “This week, in Sun City, representatives of over 70 countries, leaders of the diamond industry and members of the NGO community have once again achieved significant progress, this time on the important issue of practical and credible monitoring of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
”It is fitting that this success should mark the end of South Africa's remarkable stewardship of the Kimberley Process. Under President Mbeki's visionary leadership, Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka grasped the initiative to inaugurate this bold endeavour. Since then, the Process has gone from strength to strength under the skilful and responsible chairmanship of Mr. Abbey Chikane.
“I know that I speak on behalf of everyone in the international diamond industry when I offer not only my congratulations on their achievements, but also my sincere thanks for making such a success of the Kimberley Process, often under difficult circumstances.
”I would also like to take the opportunity to wish the Canadian Government every success as it takes over at the helm. Canada has already made an important contribution to the Process and will, I am sure, build further on the excellent foundations laid by the Government of South Africa.

“It is vital that we in the diamond industry continue to give our full support to the Kimberley Process. The Process remains a unique collaboration between governments, industry and the NGOs. Through strong and effective leadership, as demonstrated by South Africa, people from around the world can achieve a great deal when united in their determination to do the right thing”.


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Source: De Beers press release
November 03