Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi on Monday warned of “considerable differences” with India over the killing of two Indian fishermen, reportedly mistaken for pirates by Italian soldiers deployed on an oil tanker off Kerala.
“There are currently considerable differences of a legal character. Up to now, I have not seen the cooperation between India and Italy that would be desirable and would allow a quick resolution,” Mr. Terzi said.
Italy says the Marines have immunity from the Indian law as the tanker, Enrica Lexie, was flying an Italian flag in international waters, sailing from Singapore to Egypt, when the shooting occurred on Wednesday.
The two soldiers, deployed on the ship under a law passed in Italy last year to protect ships against the growing threat from pirates in the Indian Ocean, were escorted off the vessel and arrested on Sunday.
Published - February 21, 2012 01:50 am IST
