Officials said the Russian Navy has overseen a project to expand its
facilities in Syria. They said the effort was meant to allow aircraft
carriers and missile cruisers to anchor in the Syrian port of Tartous by
2013.
"Tartous will be developed as a naval base," Russian Navy commander Adm.
Vladimir Vysotsky said.
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In remarks made on Aug. 2, Vysotsky said the modernization of the
Tartous project would enable the Russian Navy to supply logistics and
maintenance services in the eastern Mediterranean. He said the Syrian port
would eventually be able to accommodate a range of heavy warships, including
aircraft carriers.
"The first stage of development and modernization will be completed in
2012," Vysotsky said.
Officials said Russia has sought to expand its military presence in
Syria, a major ally during the Cold War. They said Tartous as well Latakia
required a major upgrade as part of Moscow's efforts to increase naval
patrols in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf.
More than 50 Russian Navy personnel have been stationed in Tartous under
a 1971 agreement. Officials said only one of the port's three floating piers
was regarded as operational.