Damascus: We enabled the IAEA to gain full access to the former regime’s nuclear sites
The head of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission, Mider Al-Aqala, confirmed that Damascus is working with seriousness and transparency to address nuclear files linked to the former regime’s era. He noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, which welcomed Syria’s cooperation in this field, reflects the level of openness Syria has committed to in its work with the Agency.
Al-Aqala said in a statement to the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) yesterday: “We provided full access to the required sites and submitted the necessary data, enabling the IAEA to resolve outstanding issues related to safeguards concerning the nuclear activities of the former regime, including verification of the Kibar site in Deir ez-Zor and associated locations, and the discovery of approximately 73 tons of natural uranium, all of which have been placed under IAEA safeguards.”
Al-Aqala added: “All nuclear materials and sites are now under the safeguards system. Our national vision is based on expanding the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the fields of health, energy, food, and water, supporting sustainable development and communities, and enhancing international trust.”
The IAEA had welcomed Syria’s cooperation and transparency in addressing safeguards issues related to the nuclear activities of the former regime in a report published the day before yesterday. The Agency noted that the information provided by Damascus and the access granted to required sites and information enabled it to complete its investigations in this regard.
In its report, the IAEA stated that “after receiving the necessary information and being granted access by Syria, the Agency was able to clarify and resolve outstanding safeguards questions previously reported to the IAEA Board of Governors.”
The Agency praised Syria’s full cooperation and transparency in helping the Agency uncover the truth about previous nuclear activities and remaining materials. It emphasized that the infrastructure found at the Deir ez-Zor site is consistent with that of a nuclear reactor, as the cooling structure discovered at the site matches the specifications of a nuclear reactor, based on verification operations conducted by the Agency and its field observations.
The IAEA pointed out that the former regime had not declared any nuclear materials, facilities, or activities. It noted the discovery of a fuel fabrication plant intended for the Deir ez-Zor reactor, as well as uranium residues. The Agency also confirmed the presence of approximately 73 tons of natural uranium metal at one site, including about 55 tons in the form of fuel rods, noting that the former regime produced fuel for the reactor at a single location.
It is worth noting that the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on August 18 of last year that Damascus and the IAEA had agreed on specific steps being implemented, which enable the Agency to address outstanding safeguards issues arising from activities conducted during the former regime’s era. The Ministry also highlighted the expansion of their cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, supporting Syria’s national development priorities.
