Congo could not explain where its diamonds came from

The decision has been taken by the international body set up to curb the trade in so-called conflict diamonds, used to fund wars.

The action was prompted by accusations that the central African state was smuggling gems on to the world market.

Its suspension from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme means it cannot trade with other member states.

Kimberley Process officials said Congo had been unable to explain the origin of the number of rough diamonds it exported.

'Evaded detection'

Investigators concluded that it had been smuggling diamonds from other African countries and sending them through Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates to avoid detection.

Certain member countries have been wanting to exclude us Louis-Marie Djama, Congo mines ministry

Congo's neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo, has long accused Congo of smuggling diamonds from its territory.

"Kimberley Process participants need to have complete confidence that conflict diamonds are not entering the legitimate trade," said Tim Martin, the organisation's chairman.

"The removal of the Republic of Congo from the list of participants is necessary to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the KPCS."

Mr Martin said Congo would be allowed to rejoin the process "when it is in a position to fully implement the requirements of the certification scheme".

Congo has denied all the allegations.

"We observe that certain member countries have been wanting to exclude us," Congo mines ministry official Louis-Marie Djama was quoted by Associated Press news agency as saying.