SWITZERLAND: AGA KHAN'S FORMER WIFE ALLOWED TO SELL JEWELS

(6 Nov 1995) English/Nat

A Swiss court has decided to allow the Aga Khan's former wife Salimah to sell her jewels as part of a divorce settlement, revoking an earlier decision which prevented the sale.

The Aga Khan's lawyers say they will try again to stop the auction house Christie's from selling the gems in Geneva next week.

The 250 pieces of jewellery are estimated to be worth nearly 16 (m) million dollars US

The auction house Christie's has found itself embroiled in the middle of a family feud. And no ordinary family feud since it involves one of the world's richest men: Prince Karim Aga Khan the fourth and his ex-wife Princess Salimah.

At the centre of the row is whether or not Salimah is entitled to sell jewels given to her as gifts, or purchased by her, during her marriage.

A moot point since this diamond, known as the Begum Blue, is estimated to be worth 10 (m) million dollars alone.

There are about 250 jewels in the collection worth around 16 (m) million dollars (U-S). Many of them were designed for the princess by famous Jewellers such as Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef and Arpels.

Salimah arrived at the court with her lawyers and her brother.

The Geneva court lifted a temporary restraining order issued at the Aga Khan's request last month. The judges noted the prince's right of first refusal to buy a portion of the jewels would be protected under the auction plan.

The Aga Khan's lawyer however says the princess should not rush into the sale despite the court ruling.

SOUNDBITE:

Of course they have every interest in claiming that. But they are taking a big risk. Imagine they sell some family jewels, and after that the arbitration tribunal decides that they should never have been sold, all the potential buyers, Christie's and the princess will incur a very heavy liability.

SUPER CAPTION: Pierre Lavile, Aga Khan's lawyer.

SOUNDBITE:

I've always been very happy with Swiss justice and I'm very relieved that the sale will now be able to go ahead in Geneva on the 13th. I put my faith in Swiss justice and I think it's being repaid.
SUPER CAPTION: Princess Salimah, ex-wife of the Aga Khan

If all goes well for the princess in the courts, Christie's will put the jewels up for auction in Geneva on November 13th.

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