Recognition of Syria’s Progress
The report presented by the Director General presents a clear picture of the significant strides Syria has made in confronting the legacy left by the Assad regime. This includes a commitment to assist the Agency in tackling nuclear safeguards issues that have lingered for over fifteen years. Today serves as a pivotal moment to acknowledge Syria’s progress and for this Board to reaffirm its dedication to the international non-proliferation framework, as well as the importance of collaboration with the IAEA.
Commendation for Constructive Engagement
Firstly, it is essential to commend and congratulate Syria on its efforts. The United Kingdom stands alongside Syria as it navigates the ramifications of the Assad regime, and we warmly welcome the constructive dialogue that has emerged between Syria and the Agency. The Director General’s visits are a testament to the positive developments taking place after a prolonged period of minimal cooperation. We recognise the significant efforts being made by the Syrian Government during this critical phase of national recovery and transition.
We encourage Syria to sustain the positive momentum that has been evident in recent months. Additionally, we urge Member States to support the Agency’s initiatives and, when appropriate, assist Syria in fulfilling its international responsibilities.
Looking ahead, we hope that Syria will build on the progress achieved thus far by signing and implementing an Additional Protocol. This step would provide the Agency with enhanced tools to promote transparency and bolster international confidence in Syria’s commitments.
The Role of the Agency in Verification
Secondly, it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role played by the Agency. Its unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth, grounded in verified evidence and thorough analysis, has revealed that the Assad regime constructed an undeclared nuclear reactor at Diar Al Zour. We commend the IAEA for its professional and diligent approach throughout this process.
Continued cooperation between Syria and the Agency is imperative. The Agency must persist in its safeguards and verification activities in Syria, in alignment with its mandate. Concurrently, Syria should maintain its full, timely, and transparent cooperation, which has been instrumental in achieving this notable progress.
Ongoing Oversight and Future Engagement
Thirdly, the decision by the Board of Governors to keep this item on its agenda until now has proven to be prudent. While Syria’s compliance warrants its removal from the Board’s regular agenda, there remains a broader narrative that needs to be addressed. The United Kingdom will continue to closely monitor the Agency’s ongoing verification activities and looks forward to further updates, particularly regarding the origins of the material found in Syria. This information is crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding these activities and ensuring that similar situations do not arise in the future.
Support for Continued Safeguards
In conclusion, we extend our gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Kingdom of Morocco for their draft resolution presented before the Board today. We wholeheartedly support this resolution, which reflects the significant advancements made and facilitates the continuation of the Agency’s safeguards and verification activities.
This marks an important milestone not only for Syria but also for the Agency’s efforts to resolve long-standing safeguards issues through dialogue, transparency, and cooperation. It exemplifies that the international non-proliferation regime is capable of addressing even the most enduring challenges when States engage constructively with the Agency.
Thank you, Chair.