In a statement, Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi says an international dispute exists between India and Italy. The two soldiers had returned to Italy on a month-long permit granted to allow them to vote in Italy's elections.

Rome (AsiaNews) - Italian Marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone are staying in Italy, Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi said in relation an international dispute between Italy and India.

Contacted by AsiaNews, the Indian Embassy in Rome said that Ambassador Debabrata Saha was not present and that he would be back "in one or two weeks". Therefore, no statement could be issued on the matter.

The two marines from the San Marco Battalion were accused in connection with an incident involving oil tanker Enrica Lexie.

They were allowed to travel to Italy on a special permit to cast their vote in the country's parliamentary elections last month. They will not however return to India to face a special court set up to rule in the case.

The incident in question took place on the Enrica Lexie on 15 February 2012 where the two marines were part of a security detail.

They were accused shooting at an Indian fishing boat, mistaking it for a pirate ship.

Two crewmembers, Jelestein and Ajesh Binki, died from the shots fired by the soldiers.

 

• india
• italy
• marine
• controversy
• latorre
• girone