Red Cross to adopt red diamond symbol

GENEVA - The global Red Cross/Red Crescent movement looks set to add a new emblem to its familiar symbols in a move which could change the way many national societies identify themselves, diplomats and officials said.

Although they officially have no religious significance, the current symbols -- a cross or a crescent -- are chosen by members according to their religious traditions. The crescent is generally used in predominantly Muslim countries and the cross in those with a strong Christian tradition.

A decision on a third, non-denominational emblem -- an equilateral diamond-shaped red crystal on a white background -- is expected at a conference called by Switzerland for December 5 and 6 of diplomats from the movement's 192 countries.

"Although this has been billed as allowing Israel to join, it may well open the way to quite a lot of changes in the symbols that individual Red Cross and Red Crescent societies use," said one official close to the issue, who declined to be named.

Israel, much of whose population professes the Jewish faith, says it can use neither the cross nor the crescent, and so its Magen David Adom (Star of David) ambulance service is excluded from the movement.

The new plan as drawn up by Swiss officials would allow the use of both symbols -- and for Israel the Red Star of David -- inside the crystal.

At present, members may use only one of the symbols, presenting difficulties for countries with mixed religious traditions.

- REUTERS