IAEA Chief Confirms Syria's Agreement for Nuclear Site Inspections
Rafael Grossi announces immediate access to suspected nuclear sites in Syria during a visit to Damascus.
Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced on Wednesday that Syria has agreed to permit immediate access for inspectors to previous nuclear sites suspected of being involved in illicit activities.
The announcement came during an exclusive interview in Damascus, where Grossi met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara and several other officials.
Grossi noted that President al-Shara expressed interest in the future development of nuclear energy in Syria, stating, 'Why not?' The IAEA aims to achieve 'complete clarity regarding some activities that took place in the past, which the agency assesses were likely related to nuclear weapons.'
The IAEA chief described the new Syrian government as 'committed to openness toward the world and international cooperation' and expressed hope for the inspection process to be completed within months.
Syria, particularly under the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad, is believed to have operated a clandestine nuclear program, which included an undeclared reactor built by North Korea in the Deir ez-Zor province of eastern Syria.
The reactor was noted by the IAEA as 'not designed for electricity production,' raising concerns that Damascus was pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities through plutonium production.
The existence of the reactor became known to the public after Israeli airstrikes in 2007 destroyed the facility.
Subsequently, Syria dismantled the site and did not completely address inquiries from the IAEA.
Grossi revealed that inspectors plan to revisit the Deir ez-Zor reactor along with three other related sites.
The additional sites under IAEA scrutiny include a small neutron source reactor in Damascus and a facility in Homs capable of processing yellowcake uranium.
He emphasized, 'We are trying to narrow the focus to those sites or that site that may hold real significance.' Despite no indicators of radiation leaks from these sites, the agency remains concerned about the 'potential existence of enriched uranium somewhere and the possibility of its reuse, trafficking, or illegal trade.'
The announcement came during an exclusive interview in Damascus, where Grossi met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara and several other officials.
Grossi noted that President al-Shara expressed interest in the future development of nuclear energy in Syria, stating, 'Why not?' The IAEA aims to achieve 'complete clarity regarding some activities that took place in the past, which the agency assesses were likely related to nuclear weapons.'
The IAEA chief described the new Syrian government as 'committed to openness toward the world and international cooperation' and expressed hope for the inspection process to be completed within months.
Syria, particularly under the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad, is believed to have operated a clandestine nuclear program, which included an undeclared reactor built by North Korea in the Deir ez-Zor province of eastern Syria.
The reactor was noted by the IAEA as 'not designed for electricity production,' raising concerns that Damascus was pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities through plutonium production.
The existence of the reactor became known to the public after Israeli airstrikes in 2007 destroyed the facility.
Subsequently, Syria dismantled the site and did not completely address inquiries from the IAEA.
Grossi revealed that inspectors plan to revisit the Deir ez-Zor reactor along with three other related sites.
The additional sites under IAEA scrutiny include a small neutron source reactor in Damascus and a facility in Homs capable of processing yellowcake uranium.
He emphasized, 'We are trying to narrow the focus to those sites or that site that may hold real significance.' Despite no indicators of radiation leaks from these sites, the agency remains concerned about the 'potential existence of enriched uranium somewhere and the possibility of its reuse, trafficking, or illegal trade.'