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On 17 January 2011, through prescribed procedure, member governments of the Kimberley Process gave their agreement to a document that would allow for the recommencement of exports from approved concessions in the Marange region of Zimbabwe. As outlined in the document, this approval is subject to agreement on continued oversight and monitoring.

Before exports can resume, however, the authorities in Zimbabwe need to complete a series on consultations with Mr. Mathieu Yamba, the Chair of the Kimberley Process, representing the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We believe these consultations are sensitive and ongoing. Mr. Yamba has called for understanding and patience as efforts are made, in good faith, on all sides to reach a conclusion.

In the meantime, we continue to advise members of the diamond industry that until a conclusion is reached exports of stocks and production from the approved concessions in Marange do not carry the approval of the Kimberley Process.

We, therefore, advocate caution and the adoption of due diligence when trading rough diamonds on the international market.

We will advise you as soon as the consultations have been concluded and a clear directive has been received from the Chair."