Conflict-Free Diamonds

(NAPSA}—As much as 15 percent of the $40 billion in diamonds sold in the U.S. annually represent “conflict diarmonds.” These gers are rained and sold byrebel groups that use the profits to buy arms to conduct terrorism against logal governments and citizenry. Diamonds can be the world’s best friend—if they don’t come from war-torn countries. Sierra Leone and Liberia are remote places to most Americans, yet years-long conflicts fueled by diamond profits have plunged these and neighboring countries into abject poverty. Fortunately, you can help stop the brutality. When you next buy a diamond--for an engagement or wedding ring, an anniversary gift or other oceasion-—-ask for conflictfree gems, and request that your jeweler only stock such stones. You can also call or write your congressional representatives and senators, asking them to support the bipartisan Clean Diamonds Act. This bill would transfer money from criminal penalties and the confiscation of contraband diamonds to a child amputee rehabilitation fund and to projects that promote peace and economic development. For more information about conflict diamonds, call World Vision at 1-888-56-CHILD or visit the Web site ab www.worldvision.org.