STG Engineering has denied losing its contract for Syria’s Tartous port, stating it continues operations and has not received any official termination notice. Claims of contract cancellation arose after Assad’s departure and are deemed unfounded by the company. Discussions between Russia and Syria regarding military bases continue, highlighting the strategic significance of the Tartous facility.
STG Engineering, the Russian operator of Syria’s Tartous commercial port, has refuted claims that it lost its contract. The company stated it continues to operate normally, dismissing reports stemming from previous media assertions that Syria’s new administration had canceled the agreement established under former president Bashar al-Assad. The claims emerged after Assad’s departure to Moscow following rebel advances in December.
In January, certain Syrian businessmen and media suggested that the port investment contract was terminated due to the firm’s alleged failure to adhere to the terms agreed upon in 2019, which included infrastructure investment. However, Dmitry Trifonov, CEO of STG Engineering, emphasized in a recent interview with Reuters that they have not received any official notification regarding the annulment of their contract, which he asserts would require a lengthy bureaucratic process if it were to occur.
Trifonov remarked, “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.” He further elaborated that any declarations regarding contract cancellation lack legitimacy, as the process would necessitate formal procedures involving both legislative bodies.
Media references inaccurately identified the operator as STG Stroytransgaz, a notable construction company. On inquiries made on Friday, Stroytransgaz stated they could not comment on the issue, clarifying their lack of organizational connection to STG Engineering, which holds the Tartous port management contract.
Russia, which has supported Assad’s regime militarily against opposition forces, is reportedly engaged in discussions with Syria’s current authorities to secure its strategic naval base in Tartous, as well as its Hmeimim air base located near Latakia. Notably, the Tartous facility serves as Russia’s sole Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, facilitating military operations to various regions, including Africa.
In summary, STG Engineering maintains its position as the operator of Tartous port, firmly denying recent reports of contract cancellation. The company’s CEO clarified that any termination would require formal legislative procedures, which have not occurred. Additionally, the confusion surrounding the operator’s identity has been addressed, with a distinction made between STG Engineering and Stroytransgaz. Russia’s strategic interests in Syria remain significant amid ongoing discussions about military bases.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
