STG Engineering has denied reports of losing its contract for the management of Syria’s Tartous port, asserting that its operations continue normally. CEO Dmitry Trifonov emphasized that any contract termination would require a lengthy bureaucratic process. Confusion surrounding the operator’s identity was clarified with Stroytransgaz declaring no association with STG Engineering. Russia continues to negotiate for its military interests in the region.
STG Engineering, the Russian operator of Syria’s Tartous commercial port, has officially refuted claims regarding the annulment of its contract. The firm stated that its operations continue as normal, countering media reports suggesting otherwise. Reports from various Syrian businessmen in January indicated that the new administration in Syria had purportedly cancelled the contract stemming from concerns over the company’s adherence to initial provisions tied to infrastructure investment, a deal made under former president Bashar al-Assad.
Dmitry Trifonov, the CEO of STG Engineering, confirmed to Reuters that they had not received any formal notification regarding a contract termination. He emphasized that the process of annulling such an agreement would be extensive and bureaucratically complex. Trifonov asserted, “It is impossible to terminate the agreement unilaterally… What someone is saying now is just words” – Source.
Amidst this situation, confusion arose about the Russian operator, as media outlets erroneously referred to STG Engineering as Stroytransgaz, another construction entity. In a clarification, Stroytransgaz stated it had no business connection to STG Engineering, asserting its status as a separate construction holding company with no involvement in the port management.
Russia, a long-time military backer of Assad’s regime, continues to negotiate with the new Syrian authorities to secure its interests at the Tartous naval base, which acts as the only maintenance and supply center in the Mediterranean for Russian forces. This location remains pivotal for Moscow’s military logistics, facilitating operations in the region, such as supplying contractors in Africa.
In summary, STG Engineering has firmly denied losing its management contract for Syria’s Tartous port, countering media assertions and affirming its ongoing operations. The CEO clarified the lengthy legal process required for contract termination, while Stroytransgaz distanced itself from this situation. Meanwhile, Russia’s strategic military interests in Syria remain intact as negotiations with the new authorities continue.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
