Johannesburg - Investigators for the world's diamond control body say Zimbabwe should be suspended because of violence and security forces smuggling diamonds.
The recommendations are in a confidential report obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday. The report was being reviewed by Kimberley Process Certification Scheme officials, who were expected to decide this week on what to do about Zimbabwe.
Kimberley Process investigators visited Zimbabwe in June and July, gathering accounts of soldiers raping women and killing illegal miners in an eastern diamond field. They say it's "credible" that security forces are smuggling diamonds.
The report follows calls by human rights groups for a Kimberley suspension, which could result in buyers shunning Zimbabwe's diamonds.
- Sapa-AP