UN Council seeks to stop natural resource abuse

United Nations, June 26: The United Nations Security Council sought today to boost the role of the world body in preventing natural resources from fueling conflicts, as so-called ''blood diamonds'' have in Africa.

A statement issued after a daylong debate initiated by council president Belgium highlighted ways that UN committees, experts and missions could do more to stop illicit exploitation and trade in resources from conflict areas.

Speakers from about 30 countries recognized the dangers of armed groups profiting from commodities including diamonds, gold, oil, timber and coltan used in making cellular phones to finance arms purchases.

But the statement contained no specific directives and diplomats said it had been watered down by countries anxious to head off any attempt at international control over resources, including oil.

The statement called for ''improving the work of, and strengthening the contributions made by,'' UN sanctions committees and experts' groups in dealing with the problem.

Sanctions, monitored by UN committees, are one way the UN can combat illicit trading.

In April, the Security Council lifted a ban on diamond exports from Liberia one of several African countries where blood diamonds were mined after deciding they were now going through regular channels.

The statement said the mandates of UN peacekeeping missions should allow them to help host governments prevent illegal exploitation of natural resources by armed factions.

It also said the UN's Peacebuilding Commission could help governments ensure resources were used to promote development once conflicts were over.

Belgian Foreign Minister Karel de Gucht, who chaired the session, said the Security Council believed tackling the issue was ''a very crucial element in putting an end to conflicts and making sure they are not refueled.'' But Jamal Nasser al-Bader, envoy of oil-producing Qatar, said ''the topic of natural resources does not fall primarily within the Security Council's competence'' and giving the body power could limit states' sovereignty over their resources.

De Gucht denied the UN was encroaching on national sovereignty.

''To the extent that a state exploits its natural resources, oil resources for example, in a way that responds to international standards, I see no problem at all,'' he said.

Reuters>