RPO America Peer Exchange: Rural Transportation Planning Programs
2003 Kimberly Process Chair Notice end of tolerance period 0006
1. Dear All,
CHAIR'S NOTICE
END OF TOLERANCE PERIOD IN THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS
31 JULY 2003
In recognition of the difficulties experienced by various Participants in implementing the
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), Participants at the Special Plenary of
the Kimberley Process held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 28 - 30 April 2003,
adopted an administrative decision on a final extension of the tolerance period within
which, the list of Participants would be confirmed. Relevant documentation submitted by
31 May 2003, was to be assessed by the Chair, who, having issued an updated list by 5
May 2003, was required to issue a revised list by 10 June 2003. This revised list was
issued on 11 June 2003.
The Johannesburg Plenary further resolved that a Participation Committee of no more
than nine members be established. Of these nine members, no more than seven, including
the chair of the committee, would be selected from among Kimberley Process
Participants. Two members of the Participation Committee would be selected from
among Kimberley Process Observers; one from civil society and the other from industry.
Following consultations with Participants, the Chair of the Kimberley Process submitted
the proposed composition of the Participation Committee for the approval of all
Participants. The composition of the Participation Committee was approved by written
procedure and consisted of the following members.
1. Angola
2. Canada
3. European Community
4. Israel
5. Russian Federation
6. South Africa
7. United States of America
8. Non-governmental Organizations (Global Witness and Partnership Africa-Canada)
9. World Diamond Council
The task of the Participation Committee was to assist the Chair of the Kimberley Process
in assessing the application of new Kimberley Process Participants, in accordance with
the provisions of the KPCS.
The following list represents the culmination of months of hard work by states, regional
economic integration organizations, the Participation Committee and the Kimberley
Process Interim Secretariat. States and regional economic integration organizations who
have met the minimum requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme are:
2. 1. Angola
2. Armenia
3. Australia
4. Belarus
5. Botswana
6. Canada
7. Central African Republic
8. China, People's Republic of
9. Chinese Taipei
10. Congo, Democratic Republic of
11. Congo, Republic of
12. Cote D' Ivoire
13. Croatia
14. European Community
15. Guinea
16. Guyana
17. Hungary
18. India
19. Israel
20. Japan
21. Korea, Republic of
22. Laos, People's Republic of
23. Lebanon
24. Lesotho
25. Mauritius
26. Namibia
27. Poland
28. Russian Federation
29. Sierra Leone
30. Slovenia
31. South Africa
32. Sri Lanka
33. Switzerland
34. Tanzania
35. Thailand
36. Ukraine
37. United Arab Emirates
38. United States of America
39. Venezuela
40. Zimbabwe
Participants have until 31 August 2003, to amend their respective legislation in
accordance with this list of 31 July 2003. During this period, Participants may continue to
trade with states and regional economic integration organizations that have not met the
minimum requirements of the KPCS. This is to ensure that trade in rough diamonds is not
unduly disrupted during this transitional phase. After the 31 August 2003 no shipments of
3. rough diamonds can be imported from, or exported to a non-Participant.
States and regional economic integration organizations who were unable to meet the
minimum requirements of the KPCS, are encouraged to continue with their efforts to
become Kimberley Process Participants. The Participation Committee will continue to
receive and assess documentation submitted after 31 July. Submissions which are deemed
to be compliant with the minimum requirements of the KPCS, will be approved without
delay; and those successful applicants will be welcomed as Participants of the Kimberley
Process.
Those states and regional economic integration organizations who have recently
submitted notices of intent to become Kimberley Process Participants, are also
encouraged to submit documentation complying with Section II, Section V (a), and
Section VI (8,9). These submissions will be reviewed and assessed by the Participation
Committee and successful Applicants will be welcomed as Participants in the Kimberley
Process.
I would like to thank the members of the Participation Committee for their tireless efforts
in assisting me with finalizing the list list of Kimberley Process Participants. I would also
would like to express my gratitude to all the representatives involved with the Kimberley
Process, either as Applicants, Observers, or Participants, for their continued resolve to
stop the trade in conflict diamonds.
Any inquiries regarding this notice or other matters pertaining to the Kimberley Process
are welcomed by the Chair and Interim Secretariat.
Yours Sincerely,
Abbey Chikane
Chair, Kimberley Process