Russian Company STG Engineering Denies Loss of Tartous Port Contract

STG Engineering, the operator of Tartous port, denied claims of losing its contract amidst media reports about a cancellation by Syria’s new administration. CEO Dmitry Trifonov asserted the contract remains valid and any termination would require lengthy legal procedures. Additionally, Stroytransgaz clarified its non-involvement in the port’s contract management, reaffirming STG Engineering’s role.

STG Engineering, the Russian company managing Syria’s Tartous port, has refuted claims regarding the termination of its contract. This statement comes amid media reports and assertions from three Syrian businessmen suggesting that the new Syrian administration had canceled the contract established under the former President Bashar al-Assad, who departed to Moscow last December after a swift rebel advance.

Dmitry Trifonov, the CEO of STG Engineering, emphasized that his company continues to operate the port and stated that no formal notification of contract annulment has been received, noting that such a process would be intricate and bureaucratic. “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 asserted, referring to the procedure needed for any cancellation.

Reports indicated that the port’s investment contract had been annulled due to alleged unmet obligations laid out in a 2019 agreement, specifically concerning infrastructure investments. However, Trifonov maintains that any allegations lack legitimate backing, highlighting the need for parliamentary and presidential procedures before any contract can be invalidated.

Furthermore, media references to STG Engineering erroneously identified it as STG Stroytransgaz, a significant construction firm. Stroytransgaz clarified that it has no connection to STG Engineering regarding the management of Tartous port.

Conversely, Russia is negotiating with Syria’s current authorities to secure its naval base in Tartous and maintain its Hmeimim air base. The Tartous port serves as Russia’s sole Mediterranean repair and replenishment location, playing a crucial role in military logistics for operations in Africa.

In summary, STG Engineering has denied reports suggesting the cancellation of its contract for managing Tartous port. CEO Dmitry Trifonov highlighted the correct legal processes for contract annulment, which have not been followed. The allegations of contract termination seem unfounded and lack proper substantiation. Furthermore, Stroytransgaz distanced itself from the port management, underscoring the ongoing importance of Tartous to Russian military operations.

Original Source: www.newarab.com