KP: Mines Minister insists full diamonds sales will resume

During the Kimberley Process meeting which is currently taking place in Israel, Mines Minister Obert Mpofu has indicated that the country will resume full diamonds exports immediately, with or without certification from the international trade monitor.

Mpofu, who has made similar threats in the past, wants the trade ban completely lifted, insisting that Zimbabwe has met the minimum trade standards listed by the Kimberley Process as conditions for full sales to resume. However, much debate is expected, as the military has continued its brutal control of Chiadzwa with continued reports of intimidation, forced labour and rampant smuggling.

Meanwhile it is clear the governing parties are shifting to an election mode, with an increasing number of discrediting attacks. Africa Confidential last week reported about an elaborate plan by ZANU PF hawks to discredit and sidestep the MDC-T and distract the former opposition party during campaigning for the possible 2011 elections, with plans to bring criminal charges against Finance Minister Biti.

Furthermore, serious infighting within ZANU PF is said to be at the centre of leaks claiming Robert Mugabe’s wife Grace has been having a secret affair with Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono, a South African Sunday Times published story which made Zimbabwe erupt into frenzied speculation.

The EU meanwhile is yet to response on Tsvangirai’s letter with regard to the unilateral appointment of ambassadors by Mugabe.