Joint ballistic test tomorrow as Indian-Italian relations thaw
Trivandrum (AsiaNews) - India and Italy will jointly conduct ballistic tests on board the Enrica Lexie. Responding to a request of Giampaolo Cutillo, Italian consul in Mumbai, the High Court of Kerala ordered the test be postponed, initially set for today, until tomorrow to allow technical staff from the Italian police (Carabinieri) to reach Kochi harbour, where the oil tanker is berthed. This additional sign of openness comes a day after the prosecutor decided to extend the detention of the Italian marines, Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, without formally arresting the two.
"The people of Kerala and the families of the fishermen are satisfied about how the case is unfolding," said Fr Stephen G. Kulakkayathil, secretary general of Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC). Speaking to AsiaNews, he said, "Finally, Indian and Italian authorities have found the right approach, which is to work together."
"We want to see an appropriate investigation so that every aspect of the case is clear: ship's position, distance, weapons, etc. Working together is the only way to determine who is really responsible for these deaths."
Speaking about the controversy surrounding the autopsy of the two fishermen, Fr Kulakkayathil said, "The autopsy did take place. I was on the beach when the coast guard brought back the bodies, which were immediately taken to the local morgue. The next morning, police moved them to Trivandrum's Medical College Hospital. Tests indicate that Gelastine died from a gunshot to the head. Binki died instead from a wound to the chest. Two bullets, that's all."
Meanwhile, the position of Italian authorities has not changed. According to the Italian Navy, oil tanker Enrica Lexie was in international, not Indian waters when the incident occurred.
The number of shots fired also does not add up. For Italy, there were two bursts of machinegun fire (in the air and in the water), a single burst of 60 shots according to India.
The presence of another ship, the Olympic Fair, also casts its shadow over the whole affair. The Greek-flagged ship is said to be very similar to the Italian ship and was also involved in gunfire.
Greek authorities have denied the claim, saying that no ship fitting that description was in the Indian Ocean at the time. (GM)
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