Orascom Telecom’s decision to withdraw its participation from the telecommunications network tender is not politically motivated but it is in the interest of the company’s finances, said a statement issued by the Cairo-based company Sunday to answer allegations made in the media against the firm.
“The reason behind our withdrawal from the telecom network tender is purely commercial and it is not politically motivated,” it said, while adding that the company is keen on protecting the interests of its shareholders whose shares are listed on the stock exchange.
The statement added that Orascom is not responsible for the calling off of the tender and it has full right to withdraw its participation. “Orascom is among five other companies to pull out from the tender,” the statement said. “Why is there only a focus on our withdrawal?” it asked.
Sources previously told The Daily Star that Orascom refrained from participating in the tender because the conditions placed by the Telecommunications Ministry were thought too tough to meet by the firm.
They added that only two telecoms firms, Paris-based Orange and Kuwait-based Zain, had officially applied for the tender. “The law clearly stipulates that at least three companies should make offers in the tender,” they said.
Sources also added that the withdrawal of Orascom and other international firms from the race has added more pressure on the Tender Office, which insisted that a new book of conditions must be drawn.
The Telecommunications Ministry now faces one of two choices: either renew the contracts with the existing firms for three to six months, or allow the state to operate the cellular networks directly.
In Sunday’s statement Orascom said that it will continue to assume its responsibilities by running one of Lebanon’s networks until it is officially asked to stop doing so.
“We are keen to provide the best services to the Lebanese and to cooperate with the Telecommunications Ministry and any other entity working in this field,” the statement said.
A source also previously told The Daily Star that Orascom and other international firms may participate in the second round of the tender competition if the conditions were more flexible and realistic.
