Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement on Implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic

Chair,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and my own country, Sweden.
   
   
2. In various UN fora, our countries have been clear about our support for creating a stable, democratic, inclusive and prosperous Syria. We have underlined the unique opportunity created by the fall of the Assad regime. Because of this clear position we want to make a few points to reinforce the statement delivered by Poland on behalf of the European Union, with which we are aligned.

Chair,

    3. In the specific case before the Board, the new situation presents an opportunity for positive changes. After many years without substantive progress in addressing the issue of         the Assad regime’s non-compliance with Syria’s safeguards obligations, we strongly hope that the new government will seize this moment to actively engage in full cooperation         with the IAEA. Syria has a unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to transparency, responsible governance, non-proliferation norms and international security, which         could contribute to rebuilding trust and stability.  We welcome the collaborative efforts demonstrated so far.

    4. Providing the Agency with the necessary information, access and cooperation would be an important, positive step. Moreover, returning to full compliance would also strengthen         the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, to which we are all committed, and which remains vital to international security and stability.

    5. We thank the Director General and the Secretariat for the initiatives taken to make progress in this matter, including the IAEA visits to Syria last year, which enabled the         collection of environmental samples. We welcome the Director General’s meeting with Syria’s Foreign Minister in April and his recent visit to Syria as well as preparations for         this visit on both sides. We note with satisfaction that the visit included unrestricted IAEA access to relevant sites. The Agency’s proactive and dedicated approach in facilitating         dialogue and cooperation has our full support.

    6. While we realise that there are many tasks before the new government, we hope that Syria will give priority to its cooperation with the IAEA, and also call for Syria to conclude         an Additional Protocol to its Safeguards Agreement.

    7. Meanwhile, we look forward to the Director General’s continued reporting to the Board of Governors and request that this item be retained on the Board agenda.

Thank you, Chair.