metroames
August 9th, 2008, 04:11 AM
Diplomats say Syria has blocked a new visit by International Atomic Energy Agency experts investigating allegations that Damascus has a secret nuclear program.
The diplomats say the request for a follow-up visit to one in June was rejected late last month.
They also tell The Associated Press that Washington is lobbying IAEA board members to oppose a Syrian push for a seat on the 35-nation board. The board normally makes decisions by consensus and a seat held by Damascus could thus hamper any investigation into its alleged nuclear activities.
Lack of IAEA access could cripple chances of establishing whether Damascus hid a North-Korean built nuclear program, including a nearly completed plutonium-producing reactor bombed last year by Israel.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1218104246648&pagename=JPArticle%2FShowFull
The diplomats say the request for a follow-up visit to one in June was rejected late last month.
They also tell The Associated Press that Washington is lobbying IAEA board members to oppose a Syrian push for a seat on the 35-nation board. The board normally makes decisions by consensus and a seat held by Damascus could thus hamper any investigation into its alleged nuclear activities.
Lack of IAEA access could cripple chances of establishing whether Damascus hid a North-Korean built nuclear program, including a nearly completed plutonium-producing reactor bombed last year by Israel.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1218104246648&pagename=JPArticle%2FShowFull