Orascom Tel appeals against Algeria tax claims

CAIRO, EGYPT: Egypt's Orascom Telecom said on Monday it had appealed to Algeria's administrative court to cancel a claim it owes Algeria back taxes for 2004-2007.

It said its Algeria unit Djezzy had paid the remaining $254 million in taxes owed against the Algeria tax claim pending a settlement.

The firm, the Arab world's largest mobile operator by subscribers, asked the court to suspend another $175 million in penalties until a final judgment is reached, it said in an emailed statement.