The chorus of concern over the trade in conflict diamonds mounted yesterday when the British Government called for the closure of a loophole in a proposed new code of conduct for the industry.
Peter Hain, Minister of State at the Foreign Office, said a UN-inspired move to curb the trade in illicit gems which is fuelling conflict in Africa could be meaningless unless measures envisaged are tightened.
The UN has imposed a worldwide ban on trade in diamonds from rebel-held areas in Sierra Leone and Angola in an effort to stop the lucrative source of guerrilla funding.
Mr Hain's intervention came at a meeting of the World Diamond Congress in Antwerp which reflected the strength of the outcry over revelations that carnage has been funded by the trade in illegal diamonds.
Though the approach of the manufacturers in trying to resolve the issue has been broadly welcomed, one non-governmental organisation accused an association representing the diamond bourses of "living in the past."
Despite the evidence of suffering in Africa, campaigners have been careful not to suggest a consumer boycott, aware that it would destroy legitimate trade in Africa.
However, one American Congressman, Tony Hall, issued a blunt warning that the US market, which accounts for 70 per cent of global diamond consumption, could dry up if strong measures were not taken.
"If consumers find out nothing is being done about it, there will be a boycott - not just on conflict diamonds, but on all diamonds," he said.
"We've got to find a way to take the profit out of [conflict] diamonds."
By contrast Hain sought to build on the progress made with the manufacturers, describing their plan as "excellent."
However, he qualified his support later in his speech.
The International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), which represents the 10 leading diamond manufacturing centres of the world, proposes to certify all rough diamonds using an office in every exporting country which seals and registers each package of rock.
Every country involved in the diamond trade would be required to lay down penalties against individuals or companies involved in illegal trade, under a programme monitored by an international council.
Under the proposal, anyone found to be breaching its conditions would be expelled from the manufacturing association.
That, said Hain. "has little meaning if you can carry on trading regardless."
"I think the industry needs to decide that only licensed manufacturers and dealers can trade. In that way the threat of expulsion can be given meaning."
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), which is meeting in parallel to the IDMA as part of this week's congress, would have the power to close the loophole, but campaigners were sceptical about its commitment to tackling the issue.
Charmian Gooch, director of Global Witness, praised the manufacturers but added: "Unfortunately the WFDB has failed to understand the need for reform and are allowing personality and power politics to get in the way of ending the trade in conflict diamonds. They are stuck in the past."
Global Witness, which argues that "the eyes of the world are on the diamond trade," has called for a swift agreement to be implemented so consumers will have confidence to buy in the run-up to Christmas.
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World opinion mounts against gem warfare
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