This dispute goes back to services DPTG began performing in the 1990s for Polish Telecom.

FORBES: Poland Needs To Clean Up Polish Telecom Before It Ascends To E.U. Presidency

But the proceedings were delayed for nine long years, as Polish Telecom tried to stall the case.

FORBES: Poland Needs To Clean Up Polish Telecom Before It Ascends To E.U. Presidency

Unhappy about this turn of events, in 2001 DPTG initiated binding arbitration proceedings provided for in its contract with Polish Telecom.

FORBES: Poland Needs To Clean Up Polish Telecom Before It Ascends To E.U. Presidency

We must also consider that this situation must be an embarrassment for France Telecom, which has a 49.7% interest in Polish Telecom.

FORBES: Poland Needs To Clean Up Polish Telecom Before It Ascends To E.U. Presidency

Even after finally being ordered to pay DPTG last September, Polish Telecom has remained defiant, telling the financial press that it plans to fight the ruling.

FORBES: Poland Needs To Clean Up Polish Telecom Before It Ascends To E.U. Presidency

International investors, faced with a wide variety of investment options, must understand that Polish Telecom has the ability to pay, and could easily work out a reasonable payment schedule.

FORBES: Poland Needs To Clean Up Polish Telecom Before It Ascends To E.U. Presidency

It also brings to mind a longstanding situation that persists in darkening an otherwise bright picture of post-Soviet Polish capitalism: that is, the current dispute between Telekomunikacja Polska S.A (Polish Telecom) and DPTG, a unit of Danish headset and hearing-aid maker GN Store Nord.

FORBES: Poland Needs To Clean Up Polish Telecom Before It Ascends To E.U. Presidency