Syria's New Government Grants UN Nuclear Inspectors Access: A Step Towards Transparency
Syria's new government has agreed to grant United Nations nuclear inspectors immediate access to suspected former nuclear sites, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency's director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi. During a meeting in Damascus with President Ahmad al-Sharaa, discussions also touched on Syria's potential interest in pursuing nuclear energy in the future. The agency's primary goal is to investigate past activities related to nuclear weapons and bring clarity to the situation.
In 2024, an IAEA team visited certain sites of interest while former President Bashar Assad was in power. Following Assad's ousting in December, the IAEA has been working to regain access to locations linked to Syria's nuclear program. Grossi praised the new government's commitment to international cooperation and expressed optimism about completing the inspection process within a few months.
The cooperation between Syria's new government and the IAEA marks a significant step towards transparency and accountability in the country's nuclear activities. By allowing inspectors access to suspected former nuclear sites and expressing interest in potential nuclear energy projects, Syria is demonstrating a willingness to engage with the international community on nuclear non-proliferation efforts.