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Nuclear Transgressions by Syria

IN THIS ISSUE: Syria's nuclear transgressions, Japan makes new nuclear safety vows, House panel cuts $1 Billion in nuclear agency funds, China schedules Agni-V Test, Germany hastens first reactor closures, future of nuclear power in minireactors.

Published on June 7, 2011
 

Syria's Nuclear Transgressions

Mark Hibbs | Carnegie Q&A

Al-Assad

Israel destroyed a building in the Syrian desert nearly four years ago that both the United States and Israel argue was a covert nuclear reactor designed to produce plutonium.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last month shared this assessment, countering assertions by Syria. When the IAEA's main decision-making body, the board of governors, meets in Vienna this week, Syria's nuclear activities will be front and center.

In a new Q&A, Mark Hibbs says the board will likely vote in favor of a resolution—prepared by a group of Western nations, including the United States—condemning Syria's failure to cooperate with the IAEA's probe of the allegation and may declare Syria out of compliance with its bilateral safeguards agreement with the IAEA and the nonproliferation treaty. Citing Syria for noncompliance would bring the matter to the attention of the United Nations Security Council and open the door to possible future sanctions. But sanctions in the near term are unlikely. Full Article   



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