BRUSSELS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) will chair an international initiative to stem the trade in so-called "conflict diamonds", the European Commission announced on Friday.
The Kimberley Process Scheme (KPCS) has appointed the EU as its Chair for 2018. Consistent with the scheme's rules, the bloc will serve as vice-chair in 2017, during the Australian chairmanship.
"The European Union will have a unique opportunity to strengthen the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process as its chair, in particular in the context of the upcoming reform process," the Commission said in a statement.
"During its Chairmanship, the EU will reinforce and promote an open dialogue among the three pillars that make up the Kimberley Process -- Governments, industry and civil society," added the EU executive body.
Southern African diamond-producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa, in May 2000 to discuss ways to stop the trade in "conflict diamonds" and to ensure that this trade was not fueling violence by rebel movements.
The KPCS, which came into existence in 2003, has 54 participating members, representing 81 countries. The scheme covers more than 99 percent of global rough diamond production and trade.
The KPCS sets out requirements for participating states to control all imports and exports of rough diamonds. Participating states can only legally trade with members who have also met the minimum requirements of the scheme.
Moreover, International shipments of rough diamonds must be accompanied by a KPCS Certificate guaranteeing that they are conflict-free.
The EU bloc last chaired the Kimberley Process in 2007.
