VIENNA: An undeclared Syrian nuclear reactor being constructed in the course of the period of former chief Bashar al-Assad was “virtually full”, representing an “essential step” in any nuclear weapons programme, the UN nuclear watchdog stated on Monday (Sep 7).
Inspectors from the Worldwide Atomic Vitality Company (IAEA) final month visited two websites, one in Deir Ezzor and a second undisclosed location recognized to them by Syrian authorities.
In a report seen by AFP final week, the IAEA stated it discovered that Syria’s earlier authorities was constructing a nuclear reactor.
Longtime ruler Assad was toppled in December 2024, bringing to energy the present authorities.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi stated it was “apparent that the earlier authorities was pursuing various clandestine” actions.
“I can’t choose intentions, however it is extremely clear that these actions weren’t declared, they did not need the world to know what they have been doing,” he advised reporters after opening the Vienna-based company’s quarterly Board of Governors assembly.
“Given the configuration, the technical options of that sort of reactor, this can be a reactor that may be very environment friendly within the manufacturing of fissile materials that might be used immediately for the fabrication of nuclear weapons,” he stated, including that constructing the reactor was a “essential step”.
He added that the reactor – which is at the moment being excavated – “was virtually accomplished”.
“It was in a really superior stage of building,” he stated, including that it was “very potential and can’t be excluded that the then Syrian authorities additionally carried out some explosions with a view to … hinder any chance of an investigation”.
