Russia blocks inclusion of Ukraine debate at Kasane meet

Saturday, June 04, 2022 | 2340 Views |

Brainstorming: Minerals and energy minister, Moagi recently met with his South African counterpart, Gwede
Mantashe to discuss several topical issues, including Botswana’s bid to host the Kimberley Process Secretariat
PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

Russia and its ally, Belarus, have reportedly blocked proposals to include the invasion of Ukraine on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the global diamond industry set for June 20 in Kasane. BusinessWeek has learnt that while the United States (US), the European Union (EU), Ukraine, and a civic group had asked for the invasion to be discussed by members of the Kimberley Process (KP) when they meet, Russia and Belarus objected.

KP, consisting of 85 countries, diamond producers, observer groups, and civic organisations, is the diamond industry’s broadest and most authoritative grouping, enjoying the backing of the United Nations (UN).

While the West has sanctioned Russian diamonds since that country invaded Ukraine in February, the stones are still flowing through the global diamond industry through Russo-neutral cutting and polishing centres such as India and China.

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