IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 6e: Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic
11 June 2025
Statement by H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Governor and Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Thank you Chair,
Australia thanks the Director General for the update provided in his opening statement to the Board on the implementation of safeguards in the Syrian Arab Republic. We commend the Director General and the Secretariat for their sustained efforts to address Syria’s non-compliance with its safeguards obligations.
Chair,
Australia welcomes Syria’s engagement with the Agency, building on renewed cooperation in 2024. We are encouraged by the interim authorities’ discussions with the Agency to clarify outstanding questions and the facilitation of access to relevant sites for the collection of environmental samples. Australia encourages Syria’s continued engagement with the Agency, with the aim to resolve all outstanding safeguards issues and to enable the Agency to provide the necessary safeguards assurances.
Chair,
Until all outstanding questions concerning Syria’s non-compliance are fully and satisfactorily resolved, Australia supports the continued inclusion of this item on the agenda of future Board meetings. We look forward to the further reporting from the Agency that will contribute to greater transparency and progress in resolving these longstanding issues. We once again thank the Director General for his efforts and for keeping Member States apprised of developments.
Thank you Chair