Diamonds extracted from kimberlite are easier to identify than alluvial diamonds. He said the two panels would investigate the role of the open markets, and the regulations or lack thereof, that allow illicit diamonds from war zones to enter trading centres unchecked. But by the end of 1998, dealers in Antwerp were no longer able to track volumes of illicit Angolan rough diamonds. They were not appearing on the open market. Now the diamonds are being picked up before they hit the market, either being bought by trading companies or sold directly to cutters.
Fowler also plans to target the arms supplies.
But they will need outside help. Fowler wants UN member states to provide the expert personnel to carry out monitoring tasks on the ground. He has pleaded for intelligence reports from the major agencies in the US and Europe. If you appreciate the information we provide, please support our work. Make a donation or become a member of Global Policy Forum.