The closure of outstanding issues in Syria’s nuclear file was described by the Syrian administration as a diplomatic and legal achievement. Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors on Wednesday.
The ministry said the decision ended the finding of noncompliance concerning the country’s nuclear obligations and removed the file from the board’s agenda. The statement said the decision closed a process that had continued for years.
The Syrian administration also announced that new opportunities had emerged for international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology. The consensus reached by the IAEA Board of Governors was also described as an achievement for Syria.
Syria’s nuclear file is closed
The IAEA Board of Governors ended the finding of noncompliance concerning Syria’s nuclear obligations after the technical and legal requirements were completed. The file related to Syria’s nuclear activities was thereby removed from the board’s agenda.
Mudar al-Akaleh, chairman of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission, said in August that progress had been made toward closing the file. Akaleh also announced that progress had been made in expanding nuclear applications in peaceful areas.
Akaleh also said the commission, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry, had prepared the necessary technical requirements for assessing nuclear materials and waste left over from the former administration.
Nuclear materials from the former administration
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi announced in a statement made in Damascus on August 18 that several tons of nuclear material reportedly left over from the Bashar al-Assad era had been found in Deir ez-Zor province. Grossi also announced that inspectors had gained access to the area.
IAEA inspectors conducted verification and inspection activities at various facilities in Syria in August. A report the agency sent to member states said the former administration had failed to declare the nuclear materials, facilities and types of activities that it was required to report under Syria’s safeguards agreement with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
At the IAEA Board of Governors meeting that began Monday in Vienna, Grossi said Syria’s new administration had provided the necessary information. Grossi said access had been gained to the Deir ez-Zor facility and other areas, describing the development as historic progress.
