Syria Agrees to Allow UN Nuclear Inspectors Access to Suspected Sites
International Atomic Energy Agency director general discusses developments in nuclear oversight during visit to Damascus.
Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that Syria has agreed to grant immediate access to inspectors at previously suspected nuclear sites.
These comments came during an exclusive interview in Damascus, where he met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara and other government officials.
Grossi revealed that President al-Shara expressed interest in continuing the development of nuclear energy in Syria, stating, 'Why not?'.
He emphasized that the IAEA's objective is to provide full clarity regarding past activities that the agency assesses were likely associated with nuclear weapons.
Describing the new Syrian government as 'committed to openness and international cooperation', Grossi expressed hope that the inspection process could be completed within months.
It is believed that Syria, under former President Bashar al-Assad, operated a covert nuclear program that included an undeclared reactor constructed with assistance from North Korea in the Deir al-Zour province.
The IAEA has characterized the reactor as 'not designed for electricity production', raising concerns that Damascus may have sought to develop nuclear weapons through plutonium production.
The reactor site became publicly known following Israeli airstrikes in 2007 that resulted in its destruction.
Following the strikes, Syria demolished the site entirely and has not fully responded to inquiries from the IAEA.
Grossi indicated that inspectors plan to return to the Deir al-Zour reactor and examine three additional sites associated with it.
The other sites under IAEA oversight include a small neutron source reactor in Damascus and a facility in Homs capable of processing yellowcake uranium.
Grossi remarked, 'We are trying to narrow the focus to those sites or that site which may be of real importance.' Although he noted no indications of radiation leaks from these sites, the agency remains concerned about the potential existence of enriched uranium and the risks of its reuse, smuggling, or trafficking.
These comments came during an exclusive interview in Damascus, where he met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara and other government officials.
Grossi revealed that President al-Shara expressed interest in continuing the development of nuclear energy in Syria, stating, 'Why not?'.
He emphasized that the IAEA's objective is to provide full clarity regarding past activities that the agency assesses were likely associated with nuclear weapons.
Describing the new Syrian government as 'committed to openness and international cooperation', Grossi expressed hope that the inspection process could be completed within months.
It is believed that Syria, under former President Bashar al-Assad, operated a covert nuclear program that included an undeclared reactor constructed with assistance from North Korea in the Deir al-Zour province.
The IAEA has characterized the reactor as 'not designed for electricity production', raising concerns that Damascus may have sought to develop nuclear weapons through plutonium production.
The reactor site became publicly known following Israeli airstrikes in 2007 that resulted in its destruction.
Following the strikes, Syria demolished the site entirely and has not fully responded to inquiries from the IAEA.
Grossi indicated that inspectors plan to return to the Deir al-Zour reactor and examine three additional sites associated with it.
The other sites under IAEA oversight include a small neutron source reactor in Damascus and a facility in Homs capable of processing yellowcake uranium.
Grossi remarked, 'We are trying to narrow the focus to those sites or that site which may be of real importance.' Although he noted no indications of radiation leaks from these sites, the agency remains concerned about the potential existence of enriched uranium and the risks of its reuse, smuggling, or trafficking.