BRUSSELS, Oct 25 (Reuters) – A G7 statement announcing a ban on imports of Russian diamonds is expected by the end of this month, closely followed by a proposal for the European Union’s 12th package of sanctions against Russia, diplomatic sources said.
“We now need the final blessing of the G7 before these elements can be translated into legal texts at European level,” an EU diplomat said.
A second source said the declaration was expected within a week. The EU’s 12th sanctions package is expected to focus on Russian diamonds.
The G7 held a technical meeting last week to discuss several proposals put forward by India, industry groups and Belgium.
“Canada and G7 members are working with industry and government representatives on proposals to address traceability and enforcement issues,” a Canadian global affairs spokesperson said this week.
France’s foreign ministry said “discussions are taking place at a technical level between G7 members and Belgium, in conjunction with economic operators in the diamond sector.
