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.
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