Syrian Workers Protest Against Russian Operator at Tartus Port

The Russian aircraft carrier Kuznetsov in the Syrian port of Tartus (EPA)
The Russian aircraft carrier Kuznetsov in the Syrian port of Tartus (EPA)
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Syrian Workers Protest Against Russian Operator at Tartus Port

The Russian aircraft carrier Kuznetsov in the Syrian port of Tartus (EPA)
The Russian aircraft carrier Kuznetsov in the Syrian port of Tartus (EPA)

Syrian workers at the Tartus port accused the operating Russian company of violating their contract, saying they refused to receive their wages due to lack of “receipts” for workers' salaries since the company took over the port.

The 2,500 workers complained that the Russian operator had breached the contracts, adding that many have had several issues with their agreements for over three months.

Al-Watan newspaper reported that a number of workers accused the company of reducing the value of the meal they were offered from SYP700 to SYP100, and even deprived some of the workers of it.
The daily indicated that since the beginning of the month, the situation at the financial bureau has been chaotic due to the slow payment of salaries.

Head of the port workers’ union, Fouad Harba, accused the Russian company of not committing to "the full terms of the contract."

The investment contracts signed by the Syrian regime with the Russian side were concluded with Russian companies and not with government agencies.

The Syrian People’s Assembly approved the draft law that includes leasing Tartus Port to Stroytransgaz for 49 years through the local Sada company.

The Russian company managing the port did not meet the terms of the contract, as it has not yet paid insurance dues to the Social Security (Taaminat), and deducted the amount due to the Real Estate Bank (REB).

However, since it started operating the port, it has not transferred those dues to the Bank and sources indicated that the problem of the workers is that they get paid from the Russian company, while their contracts are signed with Sada.

The contract signed with the Russian company does not require paying the wages of all workers, knowing that the average salary at the port with incentives and bonuses does not exceed SYP75,000.

The Russian company had tried to reduce the salary by granting SYP40,000 pounds, but the workers protested at the port about three months ago.



German Foreign Ministry Backs Kurdish Dialogue with Damascus

German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)
German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)
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German Foreign Ministry Backs Kurdish Dialogue with Damascus

German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)
German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)

Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the German Foreign Ministry Tobias Tunkel said that protecting the rights and interests of Syrian Kurds can be best achieved through an internal dialogue with Damascus.

His statement followed a recent meeting between Tunkel and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), along with officials from the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria.

In a tweet on the X platform on Monday, Tunkel shared a photo of his meeting with Abdi. He indicated that they discussed pressing issues that require resolution through direct communication between the SDF leadership and Damascus’ military operations command.

The meeting is part of broader international efforts to stabilize the region, prevent a devastating war involving regional powers, and promote internal Syrian dialogue. The aim is to ensure the inclusion of all parties, social groups, and political forces to achieve security, stability, economic prosperity, and reconstruction.

Abdi stressed the need for all Syrians, regardless of their backgrounds, to have a role in governing their country.

He praised Germany’s support for the SDF, stating on his X account: “Germany’s support for the Syrian people in building their state on the principles of freedom, democracy, and equality, while ensuring the inclusion of all components in governance, is deeply welcomed and appreciated.”

He also commended Germany’s contribution to the international coalition’s operations against ISIS, stressing: “We highly value Germany’s role in supporting our forces in combating terrorism and extremism, which helps pave the way for a brighter future for all Syrians.”

This visit marks the second official engagement by a Western diplomat this week, following the visit of former US Ambassador Robert Ford and his meeting with SDF leaders.

Discussions are focused on achieving a political resolution and determining the future of the SDF, which is a coalition of Arab and Kurdish forces, primarily the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). The YPG receives military and logistical support from a US-led international coalition and is considered a vital ally in the fight against ISIS by Washington, though Türkiye regards it as a national security threat.

SDF head of Public Relations Sihanouk Dibo described the recent visits by US, German, and French delegations as encouraging. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he emphasized that the Autonomous Administration values any initiative that supports resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria, which he views as fundamental to addressing regional crises and ensuring stability.

“Germany’s supportive role complements Washington’s exceptional efforts, including the success of General Mazloum Abdi’s initiative and his meeting with (former President of the Kurdistan Region) President Masoud Barzani. This is a significant and positive step,” he added.

Dibo also highlighted the importance of dialogue between Damascus and the SDF leadership to restore Syrian sovereignty and resolve disputes. He called for “the formation of specialized and technical committees to address all issues and differences.”

In a related development, the Autonomous Administration called on the Syrian people, the international community, and humanitarian organizations to take action to curb Turkish aggression and stop attacks by its affiliated factions on Tishrin Dam.

In a statement published on its official platforms, it urged the deployment of international forces to protect the dam, warning of catastrophic consequences should it collapse, including the flooding of large populated areas and the destruction of numerous villages along the riverbanks.