§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made with the establishment of a global certification scheme for rough diamonds. [11149]
§ Peter HainGovernment, industry and NGO representatives in the Kimberley Process are currently meeting in Angola to refine proposals for the establishment of an international certification scheme for rough diamonds. At the last meeting (Twickenham, 11 to 13 September) members agreed in principle on key elements for the scheme. We hope to build on this agreement in Angola, and forge a consensus in time for the ministerial meeting in Botswana scheduled for the end of November. The proposal will go forward to the UN General Assembly before the end of the year. The UK is continuing its key role in the Process and remains committed to the goal of curbing the flow of conflict diamonds.