The President of the Central African Republic (CAR), Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has called for an end to the embargo on the diamond mining in the country, speaking at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York.
"We certainly believe it is important that the embargo on diamond mining under the Kimberley Process, which has restricted our funds, should be lifted," the president said.
In 2013, 16 of the country's 24 diamond-producing areas were embargoed as part of the Kimberley Process, which involves over 80 countries. The process was launched in 2000 to combat so-called "blood diamonds," illegally mined gems whose proceeds are used to fund regional conflicts and terrorist groups.
Speaking at the UN, Touadéra added that Africa should have veto power in the UN Security Council, referring to recent proposals by some nations for two permanent seats for African countries.