Damascus, Sept. 2 (SANA) Syria is working seriously and transparently to resolve outstanding nuclear issues dating back to the ousted regime, an effort acknowledged in a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report that welcomed Damascus’ cooperation, Syrian Atomic Energy Commission chief Mudar al-Okla said Wednesday.
Al-Okla said Syria had provided the agency with full access to requested sites and all necessary information, allowing it to address outstanding safeguards questions related to nuclear activities carried out under the ousted regime.
He said the cooperation included verification of the Al-Kibar site in Deir Ezzor and associated sites, as well as the identification of approximately 73 tons of natural uranium. The material has been placed under IAEA safeguards, he said.
“The IAEA’s report reflects the level of openness that Syria has committed to in its work with the agency,” al-Okla said.
He added that all nuclear materials and sites are now subject to IAEA safeguards, describing the development as an important step toward resolving outstanding nuclear files and strengthening international confidence in Syria’s cooperation.
Al-Okla said Syria’s future approach would focus on expanding the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, particularly in healthcare, energy, food and water, as part of efforts to support national and sustainable development.
The IAEA earlier said that information provided by Syria and access granted to requested sites had enabled it to complete its investigations into outstanding safeguards issues.
The agency also said its verification work at the Deir Ezzor site found infrastructure consistent with that of a nuclear reactor, including cooling-system features consistent with those of a reactor. It said the ousted regime had failed to declare nuclear materials, facilities and activities associated with the site.
The IAEA further reported the presence of approximately 73 tons of natural uranium, including around 55 tons in the form of fuel rods, and said the ousted regime had manufactured fuel intended for the Deir Ezzor reactor at a separate facility.
Syria and the IAEA have been implementing agreed steps to address outstanding safeguards matters stemming from activities conducted under the ousted regime, while expanding cooperation on the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
F.J./ABD
