IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 6(b): Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic
5 March 2024
Statement by H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Governor and Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Chair
Australia thanks the Director General for the update provided in his opening statement to the Board on the implementation of safeguards in the Syrian Arab Republic, and notes the upcoming visit by the Director General to Damascus to re-establish a meaningful and constructive dialogue with Syria. We commend the Director General and the Secretariat for their sustained efforts to address Syria’s non-compliance with its safeguards obligations.
Chair
Australia remains deeply concerned at Syria’s ongoing failure to address outstanding questions about undeclared facilities and activities at the Dair Alzour site and other relevant locations. We are deeply concerned that Syria continues to fail to fulfil its legal obligations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA and has disregarded this Board’s June 2011 resolution (GOV/2011/41) and repeated calls from Board members, the Director General and the Agency on this issue.
Australia once again urges Syria to cooperate constructively with the Agency to resolve all outstanding safeguards questions so that the Agency is able to provide the necessary safeguards assurances.
Chair
Some delegations have made calls for this issue to be removed from the Board’s agenda. Australia reiterates that addressing this case of safeguards non‑compliance is a matter of critical importance for all Member States committed to preserving the credibility of the safeguards regime. The passage of time cannot be justification for the Board to cease addressing a case of non-compliance with safeguards obligations.
Until all outstanding questions regarding Syria’s non-compliance are satisfactorily resolved, we request that this item be retained on the agenda for all future meetings of the Board. We once again thank the Director General for his efforts and for keeping Member States apprised of developments.
Thank you, Chair.