SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS PROHIBITION OF IMPORT OF SIERRA LEONE ROUGH DIAMONDS FOR 11 MONTHS, BEGINNING 5 JANUARY 2002

Security Council

4442^nd Meeting (Night)

SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS PROHIBITION OF IMPORT OF SIERRA LEONE ROUGH DIAMONDS

FOR 11 MONTHS, BEGINNING 5 JANUARY 2002

Unanimously Adopts Resolution 1385 (2001)

The Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, decided this afternoon to extend, for 11 months beginning on 5 January 2002, the prohibition of all import of Sierra Leone rough diamonds except those controlled by the Government under the Certificate of Origin regime.

Adopting resolution 1385 (2001) by unanimous vote, the Council affirmed that at the end of those 11 months and in addition to its six-monthly review, it would review the situation in Sierra Leone, including the extent of the Government's authority over the diamond-producing areas, in order to decide on a further extension and, if necessary, to modify or adopt further measures.

By other terms, the Council decided also that the extension of the prohibition would be terminated immediately if the Council determined that it would be appropriate to do so.  It welcomed reports that the Certificate of Origin regime was helping to curb the flow of conflict diamonds out of Sierra Leone.

The meeting began at 6:34 p.m. and adjourned at 6:36 p.m.  

Following is the full text of resolution 1385 (2001):

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone, and in particular its resolutions 1132 (1197) of 8 October 1997, 1171 (1998) of 5 June 1998, 1299 (2000) of 19 May 2000 and 1306 (2000) of 5 July 2000,

“Affirming the commitment of all States to respect the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Sierra Leone,

“Welcoming the significant progress made in the peace process in Sierra Leone, including in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, and the efforts of the Government to extend its authority over the diamond-producing areas, with the assistance of UNAMSIL, but noting that it has not yet established effective authority over those areas,

“Expressing its continued concern at the role played by the illicit trade in diamonds in the conflict in Sierra Leone,

“Welcoming General Assembly resolution A/RES/55/56 of 1 December 2000, as well as ongoing efforts by interested States, the diamond industry, in particular the World Diamond Council, and non-governmental organizations to break the link between illicit trade in rough diamonds and armed conflict, particularly through the significant progress made by the Kimberley Process, and encouraging further progress in this regard,

“Welcoming the establishment of a certification regime in relation to Guinea's exports of rough diamonds and the continued efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as West African countries, towards developing a region-wide certification regime,

“Emphasizing the responsibility of all Member States, including diamond importing countries, for fully implementing the measures in resolution 1306 (2000),

“Taking note of the views of the Government of Sierra Leone on the extension of the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1306 (2000),

“Determining that the situation in Sierra Leone continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

“1.   Welcomes the establishment and implementation of the Certificate of Origin regime for trade in diamonds in Sierra Leone, and the export of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone certified under that regime;

“2.   Welcomes reports that the Certificate of Origin regime is helping to curb the flow of conflict diamonds out of Sierra Leone;

“3.   Decides that the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1306 (2000) shall remain in force for a new period of 11 months from 5 January 2002, except that, pursuant to paragraph 5 of resolution 1306 (2000), rough diamonds controlled by the Government of Sierra Leone under the Certificate of Origin regime shall continue to be exempt from these measures, and affirms that, in addition to its six-monthly review in accordance with paragraph 15 of resolution 1306 (2000), at the end of this period it will review the situation in Sierra Leone, including the extent of the Government's authority over the diamond-producing areas, in order to decide whether to extend these measures for a further period and, if necessary, to modify them or adopt further measures;

“4.   Decides also that the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1306 (2000) as extended by paragraph 3 above, shall be terminated immediately if the Council determines that it would be appropriate to do so;

“5.   Requests the Secretary-General to publicize the provisions of this resolution and the obligations imposed by it;

“6.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”

Background

Adopting resolution 1306 (2000) on 5 July 2000, the Council, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, prohibited the import of Sierra Leone rough diamonds for an initial 18 months.  At the end of that period, it would review the situation in the country, including the extent of Government control over diamond-producing areas.

The Council requested the Government to ensure the establishment of an effective Certificate of Origin regime for trade in diamonds, asking relevant international organizations to help in facilitating its full operation.  It also requested all States to notify the Committee established by Council resolution 1132 (1997) when such a regime was fully operational.  Government-controlled diamonds under the regime would be exempt from the prohibition.

Also by resolution 1306 (2000), the Council requested the Committee to seek from all States information regarding their actions to implement the prohibition; to consider information brought to its attention concerning violations; and to report periodically to the Council on such alleged violations, identifying possible persons, entities and vessels involved.

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