Kuwait welcomes the IAEA report on safeguards-related matters in Syria
KUNA: Kuwait has affirmed its welcome of the positive results and developments contained in the latest report by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, which reflected tangible progress in clarifying and resolving safeguard-related issues in the Syrian Arab Republic.
This was stated in a speech delivered by Ali Bahbahani, Third Secretary of Kuwait’s Permanent Delegation to the International Organizations in Vienna, during the current session of the IAEA Board of Governors, held from September 7 to 11, under the agenda item “Implementation of the Safeguards Agreement concluded under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic.”
Bahbahani praised the constructive cooperation and transparency demonstrated by the new Syrian government with the Agency, as well as the practical steps it has taken to fulfill its obligations under the Safeguards Agreement, including providing the required information, data, and reports on nuclear materials and related design information.
He said that this positive approach and close cooperation between the two sides represent an important development that contributes to enhancing confidence and supporting the Agency’s ability to carry out its technical and inspection mandate in accordance with the provisions of the Safeguards Agreement and relevant rules and procedures.
He added that the Agency’s confirmation that the Syrian side has been able to clarify and resolve outstanding safeguard questions previously reported to the Board of Governors constitutes an important step forward in addressing this file.
Kuwait reaffirmed its support for efforts to remove the item on the implementation of the Safeguards Agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic from the Board of Governors’ agenda and to conclude its consideration within the Board, given the progress achieved and the clarifications and resolutions of outstanding issues reached in the Director General’s report.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of maintaining the existing legal and technical frameworks that enable the Agency to continue implementing the Safeguards Agreement with Syria in accordance with its obligations.
Kuwait expressed its hope that this development would serve as a positive model of what sincere and constructive cooperation between the Agency and member states can achieve, and that it would contribute to strengthening confidence in the safeguards system and supporting international efforts to preserve international peace and security.
Kuwait renewed its appreciation for the professional and balanced efforts of the Director General and the IAEA Secretariat, reaffirming its support for continued cooperation between the Agency and the Syrian government to ensure effective implementation of the Safeguards Agreement, enhance mutual trust, and pave the way for the final closure of this file.
