IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 5(c): Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic
20 November 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. We commend the Director General and the Secretariat for their sustained efforts to address Syria’s non-compliance with its safeguards obligations.
Chair
Australia was encouraged by the Agency’s visits to Syria this year to conduct environmental sampling. However, Australia remains deeply concerned at Syria’s ongoing failure to address outstanding questions about undeclared facilities and activities at the Dair Alzour site. Clarifying unresolved issues regarding the application of safeguards is a legally binding international obligation for all countries.
Australia urges Syria to cooperate constructively with the Agency to resolve all outstanding safeguards questions and bring into force an Additional Protocol 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. 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.