ents access to diamond markets and to this end has: 1.)Operated in strict compliance with UN Resolution 1173 relating to the sale of diamonds by the UNITA rebel movement in Angola 2.) Ceased buying diamonds in Angola from the informal sector of the economy 5.) Consistently and publicly urged the trade to avoid buying any diamonds originating from areas controlled by rebel movements. (DeBeers)Currently, DeBeers is the obvious world monopoly on diamonds. A possible rival is the Brazilian based Odebrecht Mining Services, or OMS. This company was given mining rights to the diamond rich Cuango Valley, by the Angolan government. It just so happens that Cuango Valley is one of UNITAs most powerful strongholds. UNITA could not be removed from the area and OMS continues to try and negotiate for the land. If UNITA did withdraw from the Luzamba in the Cuango Valley, and the mining rights went to OMS, DeBeers would begin to lose its monopoly of diamonds. (Lewis) The dispute over diamonds in Africa does not only involve groups such as UNITA and MPLA, but major corporations as well. These corporations can help stimulate the economy of Angola such as DeBeers by employing locals and stimulating business. If it werent for UNITA, Angolas economy would definitely be in a better state.Another tactic to curb the illegal sales of diamonds out of conflicted regions is a new certification plan. Representatives from major diamond producing countries created the plan, which certifies that all diamonds bought on the market, do not have origins from rebel groups. Under the plan, all diamonds sold on the world market would have to be accompanied by a certificate confirming their origins. Estimates on the rebels' share of the $6 billion a year international diamond trade range from 4 percent to 15 percent. (CNN) Plans such as these, guarantee the purchaser that the diamond being bought has a legitimate history. The work [on the plan] was necessary, ...
