afrol News, 30 April - Officials of the Liberian government have filed their reaction about the lifting of sanctions on their country’s diamonds, describing the development as the road to economic boom, creation of employment, among others.

On Friday, the United Nations announced lifting a ban on Liberian diamond which was formerly classified as “blood or rough diamonds”. Since such diamonds, which are sold to fuel rebellion in countries in war, fail to pass the Kimberly test, they are therefore banned by the UN.

The ban resulted after the UN findings proved that the former Liberian rebel leader who later became President – Charles Taylor – was involved in illicit diamond trade purposely to fuel war in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Eugene Shannon, the Minister of Mine and Energy said Liberia now boast of being part of the 52 Kimberly complaint countries of the world.

He said the lift means a lot to Liberia’s quest to move fast with repairing the damages of the 14-year-old civil war. Dr Shannon believed that being part of the Kimberly process, Liberia can easily grease the wheels of its economy and create job opportunities for its youths.

Dr. Lawrence Bropleh, the Minister for Information expressed delight over the timeliness of the lifting.

With the lifting of sanctions on diamonds and logs, coupled with the passage of the metal steel agreement, the Liberian government does not have any excuse for not recovering its dwindling economy as well as shape better standard of living for its citizens.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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