India on Monday made it clear that the case of two Italian Marines who shot dead two fishermen will be decided only by the court, notwithstanding Italy’s warning that New Delhi was setting a “dangerous” precedent by holding their trial in the country.
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna also said that the Centre will not go beyond Kerala government’s stand on detention of the two Italians.
“We had detailed discussions focusing on two issues. Two innocent fishermen died for no fault of theirs…First the marines were in police custody, then in judicial custody. Court will ultimately decide how this impasse can be resolved,” the minister said after meeting Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and senior officials.
Assuring that Centre was not inclined to go beyond Kerala’s stand, he said, “The State government should be satisfied (on the issue).”
Union minister E Ahamed, IGP K Padmakumar and Joint secretary, MEA Europe and West, Ruchi Ganshyam and state DGP Jacob Punnonose took part in the meeting, which discussed the detention of Italian ship ‘Enrica Lexie’ and the two marines and the Somalian pirates menace.
Ruling out any adverse impact of the case on India-Italy relationship, Krishna said “This issue does not in any manner affect cordial relations we have with Italy and we will continue to strengthen it.”
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti had spoken to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last month on the issue after which an Italian statement said that he had warned against India setting a “dangerous precedent” with the prosecution of two Italian Marines in Kerala.
“Any attitude from the Indian side that is not fully in line with international laws risks creating a dangerous precedent for international peacekeeping and anti-piracy mission,” the statement said.
—-PTI—-