IAEA finds no nuclear material in Syria

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no trace of nuclear material in Syria's Al-Kibar so far, but it would continue sampling in this area to analyze, said Mohammed ElBaradei, IAEA director general, in Vienna Monday.

ElBaradei also pointed out at an IAEA council meeting that Syria has not provided IAEA supplement information so far about its related nuclear activities as requested.

In September 2007, Israeli air force struck over 100 kilometer deep into Syria and bombed out a facility in Syrian Al-Kibar. Then Israel claimed that Syria was developing nuclear weapons in that area, but Syria keeps denying the facility is for nuclear activities. Therefore, IAEA began probing Syria and required further explanation about it.

ElBaradei also noted on the council meeting Monday that IAEA can not make sure so far whether Libya is involved in activities of nuclear weapon development in the country. Libya's explanation of its nuclear program accords with the outcome of IAEA's investigation, but IAEA would continue normal security inspection, so as to ensure Libya owns no secret nuclear materials.

Libya announced at the end of 2003 that it is willing to abandon its plan of developing weapons of mass destruction and to receive supervision on weapons from the international society.

(Source: ChinaView)