Lufthansa warns against Alitalia delays

(ANSA) - Rome, February 11 - A top executive at Lufthansa has warned the Italian government against delaying a decision on the future of Alitalia much longer. Lufthansa is among the companies that have expressed an interest in taking a stake in the former Italian flag-carrier, which is currently in administration. "If this stalling goes on much longer, there won't be anything left of the proud Alitalia," Lufthansa board member Harry Hohmeister told Handelsblatt.
    "We don't have the sensation that the right discussions are taking place.
    "If we are interested in Alitalia, our interest is for a restructured group that has long-term success.
    "I think the employees need an outlook (for the future).
    "Up to now I haven't heard anyone say that what Lufthansa is offering is so problematic that it cannot be accepted.
    "At the moment, we think that 3,000 jobs would be hit.
    "And from what I read in the media, the other interested parties are talking about numbers of that size too".