Israel hiding nukes in Golan, Syria claims

CAIRO, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Damascus in a report submitted to the United Nations claims Israel is burying nuclear waste, and possibly more, in the occupied Golan Heights.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry in a report linked to allegations of human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories blames Israel for "the crime" of disposing of nuclear, radioactive and other hazardous waste in tunnels throughout the Golan Heights.

The Damascus complaint says the move is part of an effort to prevent Syria from reclaiming the territory occupied and later annexed by Israel, the government-backed Egyptian newspaper al-Ahram reports.

Apart from the disposal of radioactive waste, reportedly from Israel's Demona reactor, the Syrian government now claims Israel is hiding nuclear warheads, nuclear mines and radioactive bombs throughout the Golan Heights.

Damascus claims Israeli forces are supervising the activity, while Israeli military officials say they are simply digging anti-tank ditches in the region.

Golan Heights is one of the more contentious issues concerning regional peace. Israel views the territory as an important strategic asset, while Damascus said it would not move forward with a peace settlement with Israel until the area is returned to Syria.