Vienna- Satellite images and uranium particles found in the Syrian desert by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could point to a secret nuclear programme, although the agency stressed in its latest report Monday that no conclusions could be drawn yet.

In a report released to IAEA members, the agency's Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said that satellite images taken before and after the al-Kibar site was bombed by the Israeli air force in September 2007 "are similar to what may be found in connection to a reactor site."

The report also confirmed that the Vienna-based Agency found "a significant number" of uranium particles which were the result of chemical processing and not natural uranium ore.

"What's sure is that it's not very usual that you find man-made uranium in sand," a senior official close to the IAEA said.

Syria has told the nuclear agency that al-Kibar was a conventional military site and that the uranium must have originated from material used in Israeli munitions. (dpa)