UN Authority Figures

International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference, Vice-President: Syria

Nuclear facility in North Korea. Photo: AFP Syrian President Bashar Assad. Photo: Reuters

Mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency: "The IAEA works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. Its key roles contribute to international peace and security, and to the World's Millennium Goals for social, economic and environmental development." (IAEA web-site, "Our Work")

Syria's Term of office: 2007-

Syria's Record on "peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology":
"A State Department official said...that the United States had concerns about Syria's involvement in illicit nuclear activities and suggested that North Korea might be aiding the Syrians in their efforts. Andrew Semmel, a top official on countering the spread of nuclear weapons, said that Syria may have a number of "secret suppliers" for a covert nuclear program, and that North Korean technicians were currently operating inside Syria." ("U.S. Official Says Syria May Have Nuclear Ties", The New York Times, September 15, 2007)