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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/09/AR2008080900377.html
Syria Blocks New Visit by IAEA
[AP/Washington Post] George Jahn - Diplomats say Syria has blocked a request for a follow-up visit to one in June by International Atomic Energy Agency experts investigating allegations that Damascus has a secret nuclear program. The diplomats also say that Washington is opposing a Syrian push for a seat on the 35-nation IAEA board. The board normally makes decisions by consensus and a seat held by Damascus could thus hamper any investigation into its alleged nuclear activities. Lack of IAEA access could cripple chances of establishing whether Damascus hid a North-Korean built nuclear program, including a nearly completed plutonium-producing reactor bombed last year by Israel.