IAEA also called on Syria to sign the so-called Additional Protocol of
NPT. The protocol allows the agency to conduct spot inspections on
undeclared nuclear facilities.
"Syria's apparent attempt at constructing a covert, undeclared plutonium
production reactor, a reactor with no credible peaceful purpose, represents
one of the most serious safeguards violations possible," U.S. envoy to IAEA,
Glyn Davies, said on June 9.
Officials said the agency determined that Syria was conducting a secret
nuclear weapons program. They cited Syria's attempt to build a plutonium
facility that would produce a large amount of fissile material for a nuclear
weapon.
"Syria's nuclear intentions at Dir Al Zour are clear," Ms. Davies said.
"The reactor there was built for the express purpose of producing plutonium
for possible use in nuclear weapons."
In 2007, Dir Al Zour was destroyed in an air strike attributed to
Israel. Later, the United States, in an assertion confirmed by the agency,
said Dir Al Zour was built by North Korea and financed by Iran.
"The building destroyed at the Dir Al Zour site in September 2007 was
very likely a nuclear reactor and should have been declared by Syria," IAEA
said.
Over the last three years, Syria has rebuffed several IAEA attempts to
visit and conduct tests at Dir Al Zour. The agency said this marked a
violation of Syria's commitment to cooperate in non-proliferation efforts.
"Syria has stonewalled and obstructed the efforts of the IAEA to
investigate the nuclear reactor for years, refusing to provide access to
associated sites, personnel and documents in violation of Syria's
freely-accepted legal obligations," the White House said on June 9. "We
will work with partners and allies around the world to stand together to
insist that every country meet its responsibilities or be held accountable
for its actions."
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