The task of the World Diamond Council (WDC) is undoubtedly to support and improve the performance and effectiveness of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), said President of the Council Edward Asscher (Edward Asscher) speaking at the plenary session of the KP in Guangzhou.
However, in his speech he did not mention the recent scandal with the boycott, caused by suspicions that the Council wants to expand the scope of activities.
"The WDC will continue to work, focusing on the proper application of its standards throughout the world." All participants should use the same methods and established practices and should have access to the same databases, "Asher said, the full text of the speech which WDC sent to Rough & Polished by e-mail.
"Another aspect of the Council's mission is to help the KP also address industry issues related to business practices and pose a potential threat to meeting the requirements of the KPCS," said WDC President.
Asher also spoke about the prospects for cooperation with other organizations working in the diamond-processing industry.
"The Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition and the WDC set the same goals, although we must admit that we do not always come to a common understanding of the best way to achieve the goals and priorities of problems that need to be discussed in the framework of ensuring effectiveness of KP, "Asher noted.
He added that this week it will be proposed to expand the powers of the Administrative Support Mechanism (ASM). Development of training programs for new participants and officials will begin.
As expected, Asher raised the problem of spreading the disease caused by the Ebola virus.
"We always remember countries and people suffering from Ebola, which is a huge problem for Africa and I am glad that so many countries are contributing to the fight against the disease," he said.