STG Engineering Refutes Claims of Losing Tartous Port Contract
STG Engineering asserts it has not lost its contract for Tartous port operations despite media reports suggesting otherwise. CEO Dmitry Trifonov emphasizes that no formal notification regarding the cancellation has been received. Additionally, STG Engineering is separate from Stroytransgaz, a construction company incorrectly identified as the port operator. Russia aims to maintain its naval and air bases in the region amid ongoing negotiations with Syrian authorities.
STG Engineering, a Russian operator for Syria’s Tartous port, has refuted claims of losing its contract, stating operations remain unchanged. Recent reports indicated that a new Syrian administration may have annulled the contract established under former President Bashar al-Assad, who vacated to Moscow following an insurgent offensive.
Al-Watan, a semi-official newspaper, cited Riad Joudy, head of Tartous customs, who alleged that the contract was voided due to STG Engineering’s failure to meet infrastructure investment requirements set in a 2019 agreement.
However, Dmitry Trifonov, CEO of STG Engineering, clarified that his company still manages the port, and no notifications of contract annulment have been received. He emphasized that if such a process were to occur, it would require extensive bureaucratic procedures per established laws.
“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,” said Trifonov.
Confusion about the operator’s identity arose, with media incorrectly associating STG Engineering with the larger construction firm Stroytransgaz. In response, Stroytransgaz stated it has no legal connection with STG Engineering regarding the Tartous port contract.
Russia continues negotiations with Syria’s new authorities to maintain control over its Tartous naval base and the Hmeimim airbase, crucial for military logistics. The Tartous port serves as Russia’s principal Mediterranean facility for repairs and resupply, facilitating military operations in Syria and broader regions.
In summary, STG Engineering maintains its contract to operate Tartous port despite conflicting reports from media and officials. CEO Dmitry Trifonov affirms that any termination of the contract requires formal legislative procedures. Russia’s strategic interests in Syria remain critical as it seeks to preserve its military assets, even amidst administrative changes.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
