Sabbagh elaborates on why Israeli entity’s nuclear arsenal poses a threat to security
VIENNA, May.21, (ST)-The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Bassam Sabbagh, has asserted that the Israeli occupation entity’s nuclear arsenal poses a threat to nuclear security in the region because of its refusal to join the relevant international agreements and treaties, and its record of flagrant violations of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
In a speech he gave today before the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Security held in the Austrian capital, Vienna, Sabbagh said that the occupying entity is exploiting the protection provided by Western countries regarding its possession of nuclear capabilities outside the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the comprehensive safeguards system.
He pointed out that the clearest expression of this dangerous statement of the Israeli occupation government on November 5th, which was a threat to use nuclear weapons against the defenseless Palestinian people in Gaza, in complete disregard for international treaties and resolutions that prohibit the use of nuclear weapons or the threat of using them.
“What is surprising is that instead of condemning such a statement, and working to put an end to Israel’s criminal behavior, we see shameful international silence,”Sabbagh said.
He affirmed that Syria attaches great importance to implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and it is keen to ensure that the rights of member states to the peaceful use of atomic energy are not infringed, which contributes to achieving those goals, expressing Syria’s aspiration to continue its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to benefit from the technical support it provides in the field of peaceful applications of nuclear energy, including through the training of working human cadres and capacity building.
The diplomat hoped that this cooperation will increase, stressing the need to give an appropriate balance between all of the Agency’s programs and its various activities directed to Member States.
Sabbagh stressed the need not to impede the access of nuclear technology intended for peaceful purposes to member states, including those related to nuclear security.
“Syria categorical rejects the unilateral coercive measures imposed by Western countries on it and on a number of developing countries as they hinder their ability to face the challenges,” he added , calling for immediate steps to be taken to lift any restrictions that would prevent people from enjoying their rights, including their right to development, and achieving the sustainable development goals.
Moreover, he underlined that Syria pays special attention to the international legal instruments that frame the international work of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation system, and modernize its national legislation, stressing the importance of preventing attacks or threats against nuclear facilities for peaceful use.
Yesterday, the Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Security started with the participation of 130 countries, including Syria, to review nuclear security issues, the most important of which is preventing nuclear and radioactive materials from reaching terrorist organizations, in addition to strengthening international cooperation in the field of nuclear security, and exchanging experiences and expertise among member states.
Basma Qaddour