Experts: Syria may have violated non-proliferation treaty

International law experts say Syria may find itself vulnerable to UN sanctions if evidence proves it received nuclear materials from North Korea – in violation of treaty
Aviram Zino|
"Syria is party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and as such, is barred from receiving any aid that may be used in the manufacturing of nuclear weapons," said Dr. Robbie Sabel, an expert on international
law from the Hebrew University, to Ynet this weekend.
If Syria did indeed receive such aid, said Dr. Sabel, "then it is in blatant violation of the treaty. If that is what has transpired, then Syria may be sanctioned to prevent any further development of weapons, as was done with Iraq and as may be done with Iran."
Syria is also a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors.
The possible sanctions Syria may be facing are primarily economic, said Dr. Sabel. "Theoreticallyhowever, the UN Security Council may also resort to military sanctions," he said.
North Korea, which is suspected of aiding Syria, withdrew from the treaty in 2003 and is not bound to its terms.
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