UN: Syria likely hid nuke program

VIENNA -- The UN nuclear agency said Tuesday that a Syrian target bombed four years ago by Israel was very likely a nearly finished, covertly built nuclear reactor.

The finding by the International Atomic Energy Agency backs U.S. findings and sets the stage for potential UN Security Council action against Syria.

Syria says the nearly finished building had no nuclear uses and has repeatedly turned down IAEA requests to revisit the site after allowing an initial 2008 inspection that found evidence of possible nuclear activities.

Meanwhile, the National Organization for Human Rights in Syria said Tuesday the death toll from the crackdown on a nine-week uprising has exceeded 1,000. The country's opposition called for fresh protests and clearer goals.

Amar Qurabi, head of the organization, said the group has documented the names of 1,062 people who have died since the uprising erupted in mid-March. -- AP