Algeria’s finance minister has said the government remains interested in acquiring a controlling stake in local operator Djezzy from VimpelCom, according to Reuters. This is the first time the government has commented on the potential deal since March, after uncertainty was created by its decision to fine Djezzy US$1.3 billion for violating foreign currency regulations. VimpelCom acquired Djezzy last year as part of a US$6 billion deal to buy the assets of Orascom Telecom but agreed in January to sell a 51 percent stake in the operator to the Algerian government.