Harare, 12 Aug-(ANA)-Zimbabwe has held the first sale of diamonds from its Marange fields since the body overseeing the trade in "blood diamonds" lifted a ban.
The Kimberley Process had suspended the diamond exports in November in response to allegations of atrocities committed by the military at Marange.
But last month, it ruled that abuses had ceased and said Zimbabwe could resume limited exports.
The diamonds from the Marange field could generate $1.7bn (£1.1bn) a year.
About 900,000 carats valued at about $72m were on sale on Wednesday, according to Abbey Chikane from the Kimberley Process.
A review of conditions at Marange will be carried out in September, after which Zimbabwe may be able to resume full exports. (ANA)
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