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FACTBOX-Highlights of US document on North Korea-Syria link
25 Apr 2008 00:27:31 GMT
 Source: Reuters
April 24 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday released an intelligence document with photographs of what it said was a Syrian nuclear reactor built with North Korean help.

Here are some of the highlights.

- Syria was building a gas-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor that was nearing operational capability in August 2007. The reactor would have been capable of producing plutonium for nuclear weapons, was not configured to produce electricity and was ill-suited for research.

- The reactor was destroyed in early September 2007 before it was loaded with nuclear fuel or operated.

- We are convinced, based on a variety of information, that North Korea assisted Syria's covert nuclear activities, both before and after the reactor was destroyed. Only North Korea has built this type of reactor in the past 35 years.

- Features of the facility and its location indicate Syrian attempts to maintain its secrecy.

- Syria moved quickly to cover up its covert nuclear activities by demolishing and burying the reactor building and by removing incriminating equipment. These actions probably were intended to forestall identification of reactor debris by international inspectors and are inconsistent with peaceful nuclear intentions.

- Senior North Koreans from the Yongbyon nuclear complex made visited Syria several times before construction of the Al Kibar reactor began in 2001.

- North Korean nuclear officials were located in the region of the reactor both early and late in 2007. Our information shows that North Korean advisers also probably assisted with damage assessment efforts after the reactor was destroyed.

- A high-level North Korean delegation traveled to Syria shortly after the reactor was destroyed and met with officials associated with Syria's covert nuclear program. (Compiled by Patricia Wilson in Washington; editing by Mohammad Zargham)


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