On Tuesday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced the discovery of “several tons” of nuclear materials in a previously undisclosed nuclear facility in Syria.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi stated that the new Syrian government has granted access to international inspectors to a nuclear facility in Deir ez-Zor.
During a press conference in Damascus, Grossi commended the Syrian government for bravely reporting the previously undisclosed nuclear facility. He emphasized the importance of today in the efforts for security, peace, and crucial actions in nuclear non-proliferation.
“In the field of nuclear non-proliferation, we have started cooperation with the new Syrian government, where the previous administration did not cooperate,” he said.
Grossi mentioned that the IAEA has been cooperating with the Syrian government for 18 months, gaining access to the Deir ez-Zor nuclear facility previously operated by the former regime.
“We have found several tons of nuclear materials that could be potentially misused,” Grossi said, ensuring that these materials will be placed under international safeguards. However, he stressed that there is still much work to be done to fully understand Syria’s nuclear-related materials.
“To strengthen international cooperation, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the nuclear materials,” he added.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, speaking at a joint press conference with Grossi, stated, “On July 17, we submitted a formal letter to the IAEA, voluntarily declaring a previously undeclared location of nuclear materials left by the previous regime.”
He further mentioned that the technical assessments revealed no risks associated with these materials, which will continue to be under Syrian national custody for “peaceful purposes,” subject to the IAEA’s safeguards and supervision system.
Grossi also stated, “These materials will be inventoried, verified, and integrated into the international safeguards system.” Syrian authorities will collaborate with IAEA experts to securely store these materials.
“We are turning a new page, but turning a new page does not mean forgetting the past,” he concluded.