Russian Operator of Tartous Port Refutes Claims of Lost Contract

STG Engineering denied reports claiming it lost its contract for managing Syria’s Tartous port, emphasizing ongoing operations. CEO Dmitry Trifonov asserted no legal termination process had begun, while Stroytransgaz clarified its non-involvement in the management contract. Russia continues discussions with Syrian authorities to maintain its military base facilities in the region.

STG Engineering, the firm managing Syria’s Tartous commercial port, has firmly dismissed reports regarding the cancellation of its operational contract. On Friday, the company stated it is proceeding with its duties as per usual, contrary to claims made by certain Middle Eastern media outlets. These reports suggested that Syria’s new leadership had annulled the contract established under previous president Bashar al-Assad due to alleged non-compliance with investment terms.

Dmitry Trifonov, CEO of STG Engineering, asserted that no official notification regarding the annulment of their contract had been received. He emphasized that any termination process would be protracted and must go through parliamentary and presidential approval. “It is impossible to terminate the agreement unilaterally… What someone is saying now is just words,” he claimed, highlighting the procedural complexities involved in such actions.

Separately, Stroytransgaz, a prominent construction company often confused with STG Engineering in media reports, clarified that it has no affiliation with the Tartous port management contract. The company noted it could not comment further on this matter, reinforcing the distinction between the two entities.

Russia, which has been a staunch ally of Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly engaging with Syria’s current government to secure its naval base in Tartous and the Hmeimim air base in Latakia. The Tartous facility serves as Russia’s essential Mediterranean logistics hub, facilitating military operations in the region and further afield.

In conclusion, STG Engineering has disputed claims regarding the annulment of its contract for managing Tartous port, asserting its continued operation. The company’s leadership pointed to the legal complexities involved in such a termination, refuting the basis of recent media narratives. Additionally, the distinction between STG Engineering and Stroytransgaz was clarified, further complicating the narrative surrounding the port’s management amid shifting Syrian governance.

Original Source: www.newarab.com