Russian Operator of Syria’s Tartous Port Denies Contract Cancellation Claims

STG Engineering, the Russian firm managing Syria’s Tartous port, has denied media reports asserting that it lost its operating contract. The company claims it is functioning as normal and has received no formal cancellation notice. CEO Dmitry Trifonov emphasized the legal complexities of contract annulment, while Stroytransgaz distanced itself from STG Engineering, underscoring the contractual relationship in question. Discussions are ongoing between Russia and the new Syrian administration regarding military presence in the area.

STG Engineering, the Russian company operating Syria’s Tartous commercial port, has rebutted claims that it has lost its contract. Reports emerged from some Middle Eastern media, as well as statements from three Syrian businessmen, indicating that Syria’s newly established ruling administration had voided the contract originally signed under former President Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow in December following a quick rebel assault.

Riad Joudy, head of Tartous customs, was cited in semi-official Syrian newspaper Al-Watan, mentioning that the contract had been cancelled due to the Russian firm’s alleged failure to meet the infrastructure investment obligations outlined in the 2019 agreement. In response, Dmitry Trifonov, CEO of STG Engineering, clarified to Reuters that the company continues to oversee the port operations and has received no formal notice regarding the termination of their contract.

Trifonov 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.” He emphasized that any potential cancellation would require compliance with a detailed bureaucratic process involving the parliament and the president. “Any statements have no legitimate basis because the cancellation of the presidential decree and ratification by the previous parliament is a whole procedure. What someone is saying now is just words,” he added.

Some misattributed references to the Russian operator identified the company as STG Stroytransgaz, a significant construction firm. However, in a statement, Stroytransgaz affirmed its lack of affiliation with STG Engineering, which is the entity that holds the Tartous port management contract.

Russia, which has provided military support to President Assad against Syrian opposition forces, is engaging in discussions with the new Syrian authorities to secure the continued presence of its naval base in Tartous and its Hmeimim air base in the vicinity of Latakia. The Tartous facility is paramount as Russia’s exclusive Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, facilitating the deployment of military contractors across Africa and beyond.

In summary, STG Engineering has firmly dismissed claims that it has lost its contract to operate Tartous port, citing a lack of formal notification and legal grounds for any potential termination. Dmitry Trifonov emphasized the necessity of bureaucratic procedures for any contract alterations, while misattributions to Stroytransgaz highlight the clarity needed regarding the operators involved. Meanwhile, Russia continues its strategic discussions with Syrian authorities to maintain its military presence in the region.

Original Source: www.newarab.com