The Russian operator STG Engineering has dismissed claims of losing its contract for Syria’s Tartous port amidst media reports suggesting cancellation by the new administration. CEO Dmitry Trifonov emphasized that the agreement remains valid and that any termination would require formal legislative procedures. Stroytransgaz has clarified its non-involvement with the port management agreement as Russia strives to retain its strategic foothold in Syria.
STG Engineering, the Russian company managing Syria’s Tartous port, has officially refuted reports claiming that it has lost its operational contract. Despite speculation from several Syrian businessmen and media outlets suggesting the new administration had annulled the agreement, STG maintains that it continues to perform its duties as usual without any notification of contract cancellation.
This assertion arose following reports in January that indicated the contract signed during the tenure of former president Bashar al-Assad was voided, allegedly due to STG’s failure to meet infrastructure investment commitments. However, Dmitry Trifonov, CEO of STG Engineering, clarified that the company remains in control of the port and emphasized that unilateral termination of the contract is not feasible.
According to Mr. Trifonov, “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 highlighted that any cancellation process would require legislative approval, making the claims of contract termination unfounded.
The media had previously referred to the contractor as STG Stroytransgaz, but Stroytransgaz denied any connection to STG Engineering regarding the port management deal. They clarified that as a construction holding company, they do not have any organizational or legal association with STG Engineering concerning Tartous port management.
Furthermore, Russia continues its negotiations with Syria’s new authorities in an effort to secure its naval facility in Tartous and its airbase in Hmeimim. The Tartous port serves as Russia’s critical repair and supply hub in the Mediterranean and is vital for operational logistics in its military endeavors in the region.
In summary, STG Engineering has firmly denied losing its management contract for Tartous port, refuting media speculation of its annulment. CEO Dmitry Trifonov clarified that contract termination requires bureaucratic steps and concludes that the allegations lack legitimacy. Moreover, Stroytransgaz has distanced itself from STG Engineering, confirming there are no ties between the two companies regarding the port’s operational management. Russia remains engaged in discussions to maintain its strategic military presence in Syria.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
