The U.S. government is working with the Kimberly Process (KP) in helping Zimbabwe to export certified diamonds from the disputed Marange diamond areas in the east of the country while ensuring that the rights of workers and local communities are respected.

U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Charles Ray, told a policy dialogue meeting on the future of US-Zimbabwe relations in Bulawayo that contrary to [ruling party] Zanu (PF) allegations that restrictions imposed by the U.S. government to senior Zanu (PF) officials were hurting the economy , the Washington administration is actively promoting Zimbabwe’s economic recovery.

“We are working within the Kimberly Process to reach a consensus agreement to allow for Zimbabwe to export certified diamonds from Marange while ensuring that workers and local communities’ rights are respected," he said.

The Ambassador said his government has got also a highly successful loan guarantee program to bring much-needed capital back into the agricultural sector.

Ambassador Ray also said his government will only consider the scrapping of personal restrictions imposed by America and the European union on senior Zanu (PF) officials when only the rule of law return, state institutions are separated from partisan allegiance, and when the country hold credible elections.

He noted that only 120 Zanu (PF) officials who own about 60 farms and companies are affected by the restrictions.