Invitation Expert Meeting

EUROPEAN UNION EXPERT MEETING

EU Control of Diamond Imports from African Countries in Conflict

Tuesday September 25 13.00-16.00

European Parliament, Brussels,

Room A5H1

Chair: Ms. Sjoera Dikkens, Chairman of the Evert Vermeer Foundation (EVS)^*
AGENDA

(Discussion will be interactive throughout)

12.45 -13.00: Formal Presentation of report to Members of the European Parliament, Council and Commission.

13.00-13.15: Welcoming speech by Mr. Max VD Berg, MEP, vice-chair of the Party of European Socialists, vice-chair of the Development Committee.

13.15-13.20: Fatal Transactions Ms. Judith Sargentini, international Campaign Co-ordinator.

13.20-13.30: Presentation of the report ‘Confflict diamonds: crossing European borders?’ by Ms. Myriam van der Stichele, researcher for the Centre for research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO).

13.30- 14.10: Conflict Diamonds: a broader perspective – why regulation is needed.

Mr. Christian Dietrich, Researcher, International Peace Information Service (IPIS)

Mr. Marc v Bockstael, Chairman, Technical Committee, Diamond High Council (HRD)

14.10-14.50: Customs control in practice: how to implement UN sanctions.

Mr. Frank Demeyere, Deputy chief of cabinet, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Belgium
Mr. Wim Keizer, Origin and Customs Affairs, European Integration Department, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Netherlands
Mr Clive Wright, Foreign and Common Wealth Office, UN department, UK (to be confirmed)

14.50-15.30: The European Perspective: what should the European Union do now ?

Mr. Antonius W. de Vries, Economic and Financial Sanctions Co-ordinator, RELEX, European Commission

15.30-16.00: Conclusions: Sjoera Dikkens

18.30: Informal drinks for participants at The Grapevine, Place Luxembourg (just behind the Parliament)