Lupi suggests Alitalia-Etihad deal 'annoyance' for some

(ANSA) - Rome, April 18 - Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi complained Friday that rumours of a breakdown in talks between Italian carrier Alitalia and potential investor Etihad Airways seemed designed to create trouble.
    In a news conference, Lupi said the deal between the two could be "an annoyance" for unnamed parties.
    "The fact that there is someone who continues to peddle rumours might mean that this agreement between Alitalia and Etihad is an annoyance to some," he said. Lupi also asked journalists to be "responsible" in covering the story where new controversy erupted over a letter from Etihad on Wednesday which Lupi had said set out new conditions for the deal that would see a 300-million-euro capital injection into struggling Alitalia for a share of about 40%.
    Alitalia had responded to the issues raised in the Etihad letter, Lupi said, but no details were available.
    Premier Matteo Renzi joined the fray Friday, saying that the government is "working on" smoothing the way to a deal. One day earlier, Lupi gave assurances that a deal in which Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad is set to invest in Italian flag-bearer Alitalia is "in the final stage".
    When asked if the new conditions meant a deal may be stalled, Lupi said, "Yes, but we're in the final stage. If the responses convince Etihad to proceed, it's fundamental for each party to do its part".
    "It's my understanding that Alitalia is responding to all of Etihad's observations. We have Alitalia's guarantee that they'll respond soon. It's my understanding that the deal is still on and we're paying close attention to the continuation of the agreements," added Lupi.