HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — An official with the world diamond control body says Zimbabwe will soon be allowed to begin selling its controversy-plagued diamonds on the international market.
Abbey Chikane, a monitor of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, inspected the Marange district and said Thursday he is recommending the regulatory body approve the sales.
Chikane says that Zimbabwe is “on track” to meet international diamond mining standards, and the body is expected to follow his advice.
He says it was agreed soldiers will stay in Marange until the government has created a safe environment for investors.
Allegations of killings and rights violations by troops and smuggling of “blood diamonds” have surrounded the discovery of the extensive Marange deposits four years ago.