Damascus, Aug. 18 (SANA)Syria and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are advancing cooperation on peaceful nuclear activities, with transparency and non-proliferation at the center of a new phase in relations, Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and IAEA Director General RafaelMariano Grossisaid Tuesday.

Speaking at a joint press conference atTishreen Palacein Damascus,al-Shaibanisaid cooperation with the IAEA had reached an advanced stage and that transparency was Syria’s approach in dealing with the agency.

He said Syria was addressing the ousted regime’s legacy regarding nuclear activities and looked forward to cooperating with the international community on peaceful nuclear applications.

Al-Shaibani said Syria had granted access to theDeir Ezzorsite after more than 18 years on its own initiative and as a sovereign decision. He reaffirmedSyria’s sovereign and legal right to civilian and peaceful uses of atomic energy and to pursue a peaceful nuclear program and benefit from its applications.

He said Syria looked forward to Grossi’s report reflecting the progress achieved in nuclear cooperation.

Grossi said cooperation with Syria’s new government had begun after the ousted regime failed to cooperate in this field, describing the development as important for security, peace and nuclear non-proliferation efforts.He said the IAEA began working with the new Syrian government 18 months ago and was granted access to a secret site in Deir Ezzor dating from the ousted regime, as the two sides work to address issues that had previously concerned the international community.

Grossi said Syria had regained its place in the international community as a state fully complying with its legal obligations on nuclear non-proliferation.

“We are now turning the page on the past and beginning a new chapter in nuclear cooperation,” he said.

Grossi said nuclear technology in Syria would focus on energy, health and water management, while the next steps would include greater IAEA cooperation and support for Syria. He added that cooperation with the agency would pave the way for new international partnerships in nuclear energy.

Al-Shaibani also condemned theIsraeli attackonAbu al-Duhur airbase, describing it as an unjustified provocation, a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional and global stability.

He reaffirmed Syria’s sovereignty and its position calling for an immediate end to Israeli violations and attacks.

Al-Shaibani said Syria was working with the IAEA to demonstrate its determination to serve as a pillar of regional and international stability, while Israeli occupation forces continued what he described as an approach of aggression and chaos.

He also reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to diplomacy to deter Israel from continuing its attacks on Syrian territory and sovereignty.kA/M.F