Mr. Chairman,

My delegation takes note of the DG's latest report on the implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in Syria and welcomes the fact that according to the report Syria has properly resolved the miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR)-related issues through cooperation with the Agency.

On the other hand, the report has not drawn any definitive conclusion that Syria has violated its safeguards obligations. It should be pointed out that the destroyed installation itself does not present a proliferation risk or constitute a actual threat to international peace and security. Not long ago, the Director General of the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, in a letter addressed to the DG, expressed Syria's readiness to cooperate fully with the Agency in addressing the outstanding issues. This positive attitude is welcome and deserves the acknowledgement and full attention of the Board.

It is our view that the Syrian nuclear issue should continue to be addressed within the Agency framework through consultation and cooperation. We do not favor politicizing or complicating this issue. Under the current circumstances, we see no need to adopt a resolution on this issue and much less need to report it to UNSC.

We hope the Agency will continue to investigate the destroyed installation and encourage Syria to take further substantive steps in its cooperation with the Agency to move forward toward an early proper solution of the relevant outstanding issues.

Thank you, chairperson