IAEA sees no progress in Syrian nuclear probe

Inspectors have found unexplained traces of uranium at the site, as well as at a nuclear research reactor in Damascus.

UN atomic watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei complained Thursday that his agency had made "no progress" in its investigation into alleged illicit nuclear activities in Syria.

- Essentially no progress has been made since my last report in clarifying the outstanding issues - with regard to Syria, ElBaradei told the International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors.

The IAEA is investigating allegations that Syria had been building a covert nuclear reactor at a remote desert site called Dair Alzour until it was bombed by Israel in September 2007.

Inspectors have found unexplained traces of uranium at the site, as well as at a nuclear research reactor in Damascus.

In a restricted report on Syria circulated to board members earlier this month, ElBaradei said the IAEA had doubts about Syria's explanation as to how traces of uranium got there.

- Syria has not provided the cooperation necessary to permit the agency to determine the origin of the antropogenic natural uranium particles found in samples taken at the Dair Alzour site - ElBaradei said Thursday.

- Nor has Syria provided information or access that would allow the agency to confirm Syria's statements regarding the non-nuclear nature of the destroyed building on that site. -