Saudi Arabia Welcomes IAEA Consensus on Syria’s Nuclear File

Saudi Arabia welcomes for the first time consensus approval by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors of a historic resolution on Syria’s persistent nuclear file. Riyadh said the move “marks an important development after the UN nuclear watchdog finishes its probe of activities connected to the former Assad regime.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco have drafted the resolution together and submitted it. Controlled by the Chair of the Arab Group in Vienna, Saudi Arabia was actively engaged in the diplomatic campaign. All 35 members of the IAEA Board of Governors voted unanimous to allow the measure.

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Syria’s Nuclear File Formally Closed

It is a consensus decision that ends the investigation launched against Syria under the 2011 finding of non-compliance. The development is based on revelations and collaboration by Syria’s startling new transitional authorities and their offering of IAEA inspectors access to previously unknown facilities.

A virtually intact hidden nuclear reactor, near Deir Ezzor, was one of the most important locations related to the investigation it was bombed by Israel in 2007, and became a key part of the IAEA investigation concerning undeclared Syrian nuclear attempts.

New Cooperation Opens Path Forward

The new authorities in Syria disclosed information and allowed inspectors to access information which had not previously been disclosed, according to the information. The cooperation was instrumental for the IAEA to carry out its nuclear file assessment of the country.

Food Chains (450) welcomed the transparency that the Syrian government was committing, a courageous move, said Director-General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi. This was in contrast to the denial and non-cooperation of the previous administration.

Saudi Arabia Highlights Regional Stability

Saudi Arabia’s MFA reiterated its backing for the country’s national institutions and its commitment to the country’s sovereignty and security, noting that it will support the necessary steps for long-term recovery from the economic losses suffered in Syria. Riyadh sees cooperation in the region as one of the factors integral to enhance stability throughout the Levant region.

The Arab-sponsored resolution also pointed to the rising diplomatic engagement of the countries in the region in the resolution of sensitive international security issues. Leaders of the Arab Group in Vienna put Saudi Arabia at the heart of the matter when they strove to find consensus on how to tackle Syria’s nuclear file.

What the Decision Means for Syria?

The IAEA closure is a milestone in Syria’s diplomatic history and for its transitional government. An act of lifting the previous non-compliance finding would be helpful as Damascus strives to rebuild institutions and return wider regional relations.

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