Italy worries that this incident could slow the anti-piracy operation
Italy said Wednesday that India’s detention of two Italian marines charged with killing two fishermen is damaging the international campaign against Somali pirates.
Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi said UN leader Ban Ki-moon shared his “concerns” during talks late Tuesday about fallout from the diplomatic row between Italy and India over the case.
An Indian court on Saturday denied bail to the marines.
The February 15 incident took place in international waters and the Italians say they mistook the fishermen for pirates.
Italy has withdrawn its ambassador to New Delhi for consultations on the case as the two sides battle over the charges and who should have jurisdiction over the marines.
Terzi told reporters that with daily attacks on international shipping, “this episode is already having a very, very negative effect on the anti-piracy effort of the international community.”
“Speaking to other international colleagues, I sense a major concern that this incident could slow the anti-piracy operations.”
Italy is part of a multinational force that has ships in the Indian Ocean and troops and guards on tankers and other vessels to head off attacks by Somali pirates. The campaign has the backing of the UN Security Council and other international institutions.
Terzi said the row with India was “very unfortunate” but that the details were “very clear,” adding that the Italian ship the marines were protecting was in international waters and the marines should be dealt with under Italian jurisdiction.
“We expect that a quick solution will be facilitated, first of all nationally by the Indian authorities with whom we have been in contact constantly,” he said.
The Italian diplomatic chief said there would also be the need “to reassure the international community” taking part in the international campaign against Somali pirates.
Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone were deployed as guards on an Italian oil tanker in the Indian Ocean when the two fishermen were shot dead. They are now being held in prison in Kerala state.
The Italian government has paid compensation of 144,000 euros ($190,000) to the families of Selestian Valentine, 45, and Ajesh Pinky, 24, but that has done little to stop the diplomatic row from escalating.
Source: AFP
