Mr. Chair,

China has noted that the reports issued by the Agency in recent years have all indicated that it has been unable to obtain new information on this issue and that there has been no substantive progress in the relevant work. Under these circumstances, China believes that it is not meaningful in practical terms for the Board to continue to discuss this issue as a separate Agenda item. For that reason, China supports the proposal of the countries concerned that the issue should no longer be included in the agenda of the Board. At the same time, China encourages Syria to fulfil its obligations under its safeguards agreement in good faith and to continue to strengthen its cooperation with the Agency.

Thank you, Mr Chair.