Diamond impasse over Zimbabwe

A diamond oversight body has failed to decide about whether to allow trade with Zimbabwe at a deadlocked conference in Israel. The Kimberley Process group monitors the trade, banning the purchase of diamonds from nations where the proceeds could be used to buy weapons and finance insurrections – so-called "blood diamonds".

The group wrestled with conflicting reports about Zimbabwe. Members were unable to come to a decision, according to a conference statement late last night. Zimbabwe is currently on the list of nations banned for diamond trade.