Russian Operator of Syria’s Tartous Port Denies Contract Loss Reports

STG Engineering disputed reports claiming it has lost its contract for managing Syria’s Tartous port. The company’s CEO stated that operations are ongoing, and no formal annulment notification has been received. Confusion regarding corporate identities has arisen, with Stroytransgaz clarifying its non-involvement. Russia seeks to maintain its military presence in Syria through negotiations with the new Syrian authorities.

STG Engineering, the Russian entity managing Syria’s Tartous port, has refuted claims regarding the loss of its operating contract. Despite reports from various media outlets and comments from regional businessmen asserting that the current Syrian administration has annulled the contract signed during President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, STG Engineering insists that its operations continue uninterrupted.

Dmitry Trifonov, the CEO of STG Engineering, emphasized that no formal notification concerning a contract termination has been received, explaining that such a process involves official procedures through the parliament and presidential channels. He stated, “It is impossible to terminate the agreement unilaterally, because it has been ratified by both the president and the parliament, and no one has notified us.”

Misunderstandings surrounding the contract may have arisen from references to STG Stroytransgaz, a different construction firm, which clarified that it has no affiliation with STG Engineering or the Tartous port management agreement. Furthermore, Stroytransgaz declined to comment on the matter, reiterating its distinct corporate identity.

Russia seeks to maintain its military presence in Syria, continuing negotiations with the new Syrian leadership regarding its naval installations in Tartous and Hmeimim air base. The Tartous port is crucial for Russia, serving as its primary logistical hub in the Mediterranean, reinforcing its strategic military operations across the region.

In summary, STG Engineering firmly maintains its contract to manage Tartous port, rejecting claims of its annulment. The CEO’s remarks highlight the complex bureaucratic processes involved in any potential contract cancellation. Clarifications surrounding corporate identities further illustrate the misunderstandings affecting the situation. Russia remains committed to its military interests in Syria amid ongoing negotiations with the Syrian government.

Original Source: www.newarab.com