Iraq wins international arbitration case against Orange, avoiding $800 million payout

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Justice announced that an international arbitration tribunal ruled in Iraq's favor in a case brought by the telecommunications company Orange, rejecting all of the company's claims. The decision spared the Iraqi state treasury from paying approximately $800 million in compensation. In the same ruling, the tribunal ordered Orange to pay Iraq $10 million to cover legal fees and expenses. The arbitration was heard at an international court after Orange filed a claim against the Republic of Iraq and a media and communications entity. The Ministry of Justice said the ruling demonstrates the strength of Iraq's legal position and the effectiveness of the effort put into managing the case. It added that the outcome reflects positively on the country's interests and described the legal victory as important, without elaborating on any next steps in related proceedings.