02/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - European Commissioners Chris Patten and Pascal Lamy have hailed the adoption by the Council of the EU on 19 December, without debate, of the regulation on the implementation by the EU of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (launched on the initiative of African diamond producers to prevent the use of rough diamonds to finance armed conflict). Patten said it would "contribute to preventing the use of diamonds to finance bloody wars in Africa", while Lamy said it would ensure that consumers will not unknowingly contribute to the continuation of hideous wars". The system will be in place on 1 February 2003. It is vital that the EU participate since more than 60% of the global annual production passes through the European Community. The Council also adopted a common position on the banning diamond imports from Sierra Leone, extending the ban until 5 June 2003.