Brussels, 13/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Commission decided, on Tuesday 10 March, that the revised privatisation plan for Olympic Airlines and Olympic Airways Services does not raise state aid concerns. The original privatisation plan, which was approved by the Commission on 17 September 2008, was based on an open, transparent and non-discriminatory public tender procedure. However, given the financial and economic crisis, the tender process was not successful. The Greek authorities have now pursued the sale by direct negotiation with interested parties, in compliance with EC law. In defence of Tuesday's decision, the Commission said, in a press release, that hitherto the Greek authorities had complied with the Commission decision of 17 September 2008 and that, moreover, the direct sale facilitates a faster conclusion of the sale of the privatisation of Olympic Airlines' and Olympic Airways Services' assets than re-tendering the assets, while ensuring market price for the transactions. The Commission points out, too, that the direct sale is expected to ensure the continued provision of routes subject to public service obligations, thereby protecting residents of outlying islands from possible disruptions to air services. (O.L./transl.rt)