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Malaysia Sun The Liberian government has lifted a six-year-old moratorium on the manufacture and distribution of so-called ‘blood diamonds’, which was imposed at the height of the civil war. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says her government wants to use diamonds to fund reconstruction efforts and not conflicts. The diamond industry in Liberia came under pressure in 2001, when ex-President Charles Taylor was accused of using the sale proceeds to fund wars in West African nations. The UN lifted sanctions in April, saying the new government had moved to ensure the industry’s regulation. Prior to calling an end to the moratorium, the Liberian government put measures in place to control the industry, including the setting up of proper diamond certification agencies. |
July 29, 2007...6:53 pm
‘Blood diamonds’ back on the jewellers table
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