Charges in Zimbabwe: UN is Accomplice to Diamond Smuggling
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15.05.07
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World
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According to newspaper reports, an investigation has been launched in the UN following allegations that the UN's Development Agency UNDP and the World Bank aided the River Ranch Company in smuggling diamonds out of Zimbabwe. Thus, two of the world's largest and strongest entities have become embroiled in the longstanding dispute between two companies in Zimbabwe, River Ranch and Bubye Minerals, over the ownership of a mine.
In March, Bubye representatives complained that the UN and the World Bank are financing and enabling the passage of River Ranch vehicles, thereby facilitating the smuggling of diamonds from the country. The company reported that it has evidence that the UNDP served as an accomplice in diamond smuggling.
The UN Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs, Larry Johnson, recently confirmed the investigation despite the denials of the local UNDP representative Augustino Zakarias.
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By: Tali Ayalon-Metser, Rachel Lieberman
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