The United States has reiterated its concerns regarding Syria's noncompliance with its Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement during a recent meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors in Vienna. The statement was delivered by Howard Solomon, Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim.
Syria has been found in violation of its NPT Safeguards Agreement for 14 years, primarily due to undeclared nuclear activities, including the construction of a reactor at Dair Alzour. Recent discoveries of man-made uranium particles at another site related to Dair Alzour have underscored the need for further cooperation from Syrian authorities.
"The United States will continue to support the Agency’s engagement with Syria, and we are hopeful its efforts will yield real results. This is an opportunity for the new Syrian authorities to address outstanding questions regarding Dair Alzour and related sites. Their cooperation with the IAEA is essential to credibly resolve these issues and remove this item from the Board’s agenda," Solomon stated.
He added, "Resolving Syria’s safeguards noncompliance would be an enormous achievement for all who care about the IAEA safeguards system, and all who desire a stable and peaceful Syria."
The U.S. called on Syrian authorities to work closely with the IAEA in order to address longstanding questions and move toward resolution.