Chair,
The Director General’s report is clear. Syria has taken significant steps to address the legacy of the Assad regime, and to support the Agency’s efforts to resolve nuclear safeguards issues which have been outstanding for fifteen years. Today is an opportunity to recognise Syria’s journey, and for this Board to demonstrate its shared commitment to the international non-proliferation architecture and the value of cooperation with the IAEA.
I would like to make three points:
Firstly, to commend and congratulate Syria. The UK stands with Syria as it addresses the legacy of the Assad regime and warmly welcomes the constructive engagement between Syria and the Agency, including the Director General’s visits, as important steps forward after many years in which meaningful cooperation was absent. We recognise the extensive efforts being undertaken by the Syrian Government during a period of considerable national recovery and transition.
We encourage Syria to maintain the positive momentum that has been established in recent months. We encourage Member States to support the Agency’s efforts and, where appropriate, assist Syria in meeting its international obligations.
Looking ahead, we hope Syria will build on the progress achieved to date by signing and bringing into force an Additional Protocol, providing the Agency with the additional tools to support transparency and international confidence.
Second, to recognise the Agency’s role. Its enduring focus on uncovering the truth, based on verified evidence and rigorous analysis, means that we now know that the Assad regime built an undeclared nuclear reactor at Diar Al Zour. We commend the IAEA’s professional approach.
Enduring cooperation will be essential. The Agency should continue its safeguards and verification activities in Syria, in accordance with its mandate. And Syria should continue its full, timely and transparent cooperation that has enabled this significant progress.
Third, the Board of Governors was right to keep this item on its agenda until now. While Syria’s compliance justifies its removal from the Board’s regular agenda, there remains a wider story to be told. The UK will continue taking close interest in the Agency’s ongoing verification activities and we look forward to further updates, including on the origin of the material in Syria. Such information will be important to understanding how these activities occurred and helping to ensure they cannot be repeated.
Chair,
Finally, we are grateful 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 before the Board today. We support this resolution, which reflects the significant progress achieved and provides for the continuation of the Agency’s safeguards and verification activities.
We recognise this important milestone for Syria and for the Agency’s efforts to address longstanding safeguards issues through dialogue, transparency and cooperation. It demonstrates that the international non-proliferation regime can address even the most longstanding issues when States engage constructively with the Agency.
Thank you, Chair.