blank

Voice of America

Trusted Source of News & Information since 1942

About VOA | Contact VOA News

  • Monday, 23 November 2009
  • Latest News:

News Updated: 9:23 UTC Thursday 12 November 2009 RSS Feeds RSS Feed

Kimberly Process Chair Defends Recent Decision Not to Suspend Zimbabwe

Share This

Responding to critics of last week’s decision by the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme not to suspend Zimbabwe over charges of human rights abuses in the eastern Marange diamond field, outgoing Kimberly Process Chairman Bernard Esau said that the Harare government has done much to address problems in the Manicaland province district.

Esau added in an interview with VOA Studio 7 reporter Sandra Nyaira that diamonds from the field are not funding conflict and Harare needs help to comply with Kimberly standards.

But Mutare-based analyst Farai Maguwu of the Center for Research and Development said Esau’s explanation won’t keep independent groups from speaking out on Marange, where Human Rights Watch says the military in control has killed more than 200 people.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...