Egypt is seeking to arrange a meeting between Orascom Telecom and France Telecom early next month to end the battle over ownership of Mobinil, the communications minister said on Thursday. Tarek Kamel added he was concerned the dispute could affect the performance of Mobinil if it dragged on. Mobinil controls the biggest share of the Egyptian mobile market. France Telecom and Orascom Telecom are fighting for control of the Egyptian Company for Mobile Services, known by its brand name Mobinil. The two companies jointly own a holding company that controls Mobinil. "Having a long legal dispute between both the major players in the company, Orascom Telecom and France Telecom, would really affect negatively the operation of Mobinil and the quality of services for the customer," Kamel told reporters at an American Chamber of Commerce event in Cairo. The government would respect the decision of an Egyptian court that last week blocked France Telecom's bid for Mobinil, and would only try to help broker a settlement between the French firm and Orascom Telecom, Kamel added. "I am trying to bring them together to continue their partnership," he said. "I hope to have this in early February."
