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A.
INTRODUCTION
The Extraordinary Meeting of the ADPA Committee of Experts was held at
the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, Republic of South African on 10
February 2010.
The Director-General of the Department of Mineral
Resources (DMR) of South Africa, Advocate Sandile Nogxina, opened the
meeting. In his opening remarks the Director General emphasized the need
for the African Continent to reassert her sovereignty over its natural
resources and that the work of ADPA must give effect to reclaiming Africa’s
independence and integrity as mineral resources are a patrimony of
Africans. He also cautioned ADPA members to be mindful of the fact that
economies have just emerged from a financial crisis, when making
commitments during the meeting, and that Africa should never again allow
for its natural resources to be used for the advancement or development of
other jurisdictions while pronouncing the under-development of the African
continent. The session was chaired by the Chief Director of Mineral
Promotion ad International Relations Dr Syabonga Ndabizitha.
B.
AGENDA
The following Agenda points were submitted for adoption:
1. Opening of the meeting
2. Election of the meeting officials
3. Adoption of the agenda and Work Program
4. Evaluation of the ADPA Executive Secretariat Report:
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4.1 Adoption of the ADPA Executive Secretariat Progress Report
4.2 Noting of the ADPA Council of Ministers Report on the
Ministerial Mission to Zimbabwe, 9 to 11 August 2010
4.3 Discussions and adoption of the recommendations of the
workshop on the Mechanization of Artisanal Diamond Mining
4.4 Discussion on the outcome of the Kimberly Process
Certification Scheme Plenary with regards to the sanctions on
Zimbabwean diamonds and the adoption of
recommendations on a way forward.
4.5 Adoption of the ADPA Executive Secretariat Report on the
Seminar on the Harmonization of Diamond Legislation and
Tax Policies in the ADPA Zone
5. Preparation of the Agenda and work Program for the Extraordinary
Meeting of the ADPA Council of Ministers
6. Approval of the Report of the Extraordinary ADPA Experts Meeting
7. Any other business and final considerations
7.1 Discussion on the mandate of the Officials of the Executive
Secretariat
8. Closing remarks
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C.
D.
RAPPORTEURS APPOINTED FOR THE MEETING
1)
Republic of South Africa
2)
Republic of Angola
3)
Democratic Republic of Congo
MEMBER COUNTRIES REPESENTED AT THE MEETING
1)
Republic of Angola
2)
Republic of Congo
3)
Democratic Republic of Congo
4)
Republic of Guinea
5)
Republic of Gabon
6)
Republic of Ghana
7)
Republic of Mali
8)
Republic of Mauritania
9)
Republic of Namibia
10) Republic of South Africa
11) Republic of Tanzania
12) Republic of Togo
13) Republic of Zimbabwe
E.
RECOMMENDATIONS
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Following the discussion of all agenda items, the experts adopted the
following recommendations for adoption by the Council of Ministers:
1) Payment of fees by ADPA members which include the payment of
arrears and current annual contributions. Member States are urged
to co-operate on this commitment.
2) ADPA member States not to support the appointment of a Vice
Chair in the KP unless Zimbabwe is allowed to export its Marange
diamonds since it has met the minimum requirements of the KP.
3) ADPA should, through the Ministers of the Member States take the
plight of Zimbabwe Marange diamonds to the African Union for
intervention.
4) That the Member countries provide needed support to the DRC
Chairpersonship of the KP.
5) Take note of the resolutions on the Seminar on the Harmonization
of Diamond Legislation and Tax Policies in the ADPA Zone and the
Workshop on the Mechanization of Artisanal Diamond Mining
6) That the ADPA Statutes, internal regulations and structure be
reviewed
F.
CONCLUSION
The meeting ended at 18h32 with the chairperson presenting a vote of
thanks to all the participants and in the hope that all Experts will inform their
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Ministers on the recommendations presented at the meeting. Finally the
Plenary acknowledged the sterling work carried out by the Angolan
Government, the important financial contribution given by the Republic of
South Africa, and the commitment of the Executive Secretariat despite the
financial constraints encountered.