UN security council lifts embargo on diamond export from Ivory Coast

The UN Security Council passed a resolution Tuesdaypartially lifting sanctions on Ivory Coast, including an embargo on diamondexports, while leaving in place targeted sanctions on individuals and a ban on the import of lethal arms.The decision to lift sanctions imposed by the council in 2004 and 2005 comes afterIvory Coast, which was plagued with violence after a civil war in 2002 temporarilydivided the country in two, has made progress towards stabilization.The council also decided to allow the Ivorian government to import non-lethal security equipment and acquire assistance to maintain peace and stability in thecountry without prior consent. The resolution stated that Ivorian security forces would still require authorizationfrom the UN sanctions committee to import military equipment including weapons,rockets, missiles and armed aircraft.While the resolution lifted the ban on the export of rough diamonds, it called onIvory Coast to report its progress in cracking down on illegal trafficking of diamonds and gold.Sanctions targeting individuals with travel bans and asset freezes remain in effect.