- Syria has opened the way for the United Nations to probe the remains of a nuclear programme operated by ousted leader Bashar al-Assad.
- Syria’s government said on Tuesday that it was working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the UN watchdog reported it had found several tonnes of nuclear material at a site in Damascus.
- The material found was not dangerous and will remain in Syrian custody, subject to guarantees, according to Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
- IAEA chief Rafael Grossi praised the government’s 'courageous decision' to report the undisclosed site.
- Grossi stated, 'We are talking about a few tonnes of nuclear material that could be put to bad use,' promising that it would be placed under international safeguards.
- Foreign Minister al-Shaibani stated: 'On July 17, we sent an official letter to the agency, in which we declared of our own free will the presence of nuclear materials at an undeclared site within the legacy left by the former regime.'
Syria has opened its doors to a United Nations investigation into its past nuclear program, a significant move following the regime of Bashar al-Assad. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported the discovery of several tonnes of nuclear material at a site in Damascus.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stated that the material is not dangerous and will remain under Syrian custody, with assurances provided to the IAEA. He noted, 'On July 17, we sent an official letter to the agency, in which we declared of our own free will the presence of nuclear materials at an undeclared site within the legacy left by the former regime.'
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi commended Syria's decision, calling it a 'courageous decision' to disclose the previously undisclosed site. He emphasized the importance of placing the material under international safeguards, stating, 'We are talking about a few tonnes of nuclear material that could be put to bad use.' This development marks a pivotal moment in Syria's engagement with international nuclear oversight and could reshape the narrative surrounding its nuclear capabilities.
“IAEA chief Rafael Grossi praised Syria's 'courageous decision' to report the undisclosed site, emphasizing the potential misuse of the nuclear material. Foreign Minister al-Shaibani confirmed that an official letter was sent to the agency on July 17, declaring the presence of nuclear materials at an undeclared site.”
