§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the impact which the EC regulations implementing the Kimberley Process of diamond certification will have on conflict diamond trading in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [84631]
§ Mr. RammellThe DRC is a participant in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. When that scheme comes into effect in January 2003, all exports of rough diamonds from the DRC will have to be accompanied by the appropriate Kimberley Process certificate. The EU regulation prohibits imports into the Community of rough diamonds not accompanied by a certificate.
Our expectation is that the implementation of this scheme will curb the circulation of so-called 'conflict diamonds' in legitimate markets.
The Government of the DRC is making positive steps to put in place legislative and administrative procedures to implement the scheme. The EU and some of the other participants in the Kimberley Process are prepared to assist the DRC with their implementation plans.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) sunset and (b) territoriality provisions are contained within the EC regulations implementing the Kimberley Process of diamond certification. [84632]
§ Mr. RammellThe draft EC regulation on implementing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme contains a review clause requiring the 955W Commission to report to the Council on the implementation of the regulation and on its possible repeal in the event that the Kimberley Process Scheme comes to an end.
The scope of the regulation covers Community territory, including airspace and aircraft, and vessels under a member state's jurisdiction. Outside the Community territory, it also applies to any national of a member state and to any legal person, entity or body, which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a member state.