Syrian Petroleum Contracts Under Audit, No Formal Charges Filed
The head of the Central Inspection Commission, Amer Al-Ali, has confirmed that the ongoing audit and investigative processes regarding several oil sector contracts—specifically those involving the Syrian Petroleum Company—are part of standard institutional oversight procedures. He emphasized that these measures were initiated prior to any public or media discussion regarding the files.
In a statement, Al-Ali clarified that reports alleging the embezzlement of funds are inaccurate. He explained that the figure cited in recent discussions, approximately $104 million, represents a precautionary asset freeze imposed by the Commission on the funds of certain companies contracted with the institution. He described this as a routine protective measure employed by the Commission to safeguard state rights and protect public funds while technical and legal investigations remain ongoing and until final results are reached.
Regarding the Syrian Petroleum Company, Al-Ali stressed that the audit of contract terms does not constitute a formal accusation against the company as an institution or its staff. He reaffirmed that any legal or administrative accountability will be determined solely based on the findings of the Commission’s technical and legal investigations.
Furthermore, the Commission head commended the level of cooperation shown by the Syrian Petroleum Company, noting that it has provided all documentation and data requested by the inspection teams. He stated that the Commission will take the necessary legal actions, including referring files to the competent judicial authorities, should the investigations prove that any violations have occurred.
This clarification from the Central Inspection Commission follows an official statement issued last Saturday by the Syrian Petroleum Company. In that statement, the company denied reports claiming the embezzlement of $110 million. The company asserted that all files currently under discussion are still in the investigation and follow-up stages, and no final results have been issued to confirm any actual damages or the validity of the disputed financial figures. The company called for greater accuracy when reporting information related to the operations of government institutions.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
