Shooting row: India, Italy fail to resolve differences

The foreign ministers of India and Italy Tuesday failed to resolve basic differences in their positions on the killing of two fishermen by two Italian marines, with Rome reiterating that the incident should be tried according to international law.

The Feb 15 killing figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and his Italian counterpart Giulio Maria Terzi di Sant' Agata.

After the talks, Krishna said at a joint press briefing that strong public opinion existed in both countries over the issue and stressed that both sides have agreed to clear the air.

"We met in the backdrop of an unfortunate incident involving death of two Indian fishermen and the subsequent detention of two Italian navy personnel. There is strong public opinion on both sides," Krishna told reporters.

"Minister Terzi and I agreed that we need to clear the air so that people in both countries are reassured of our will and commitment to strengthen our partnership," he said.

"We are of the view that our relations are mature and based on strong foundations. This gives us the ability to address challenges together," he said while stressing enormous scope for expanding the bilateral relationship.

The Italian foreign minister, who came here close on the heels of the visit of his deputy, regretted the deaths but admitted that differences of opinion persisted with India on the issue.

"I have expressed the condolences of Italy and the Italian people over the unfortunate, tragic loss of lives," said Terzi.

He appreciated India's readiness to allow Italian observers in the judicial process which has been initiated in Kerala to investigate the chain of events leading to the killing of two Indian fishermen. There was, however, no breakthrough in the talks.

"I have explained frankly the position of our government on the legal aspect. International law should try the Italian men. There is difference of opinion on this and it has not been resolved," Terzi said.

"We hope to pursue the matter in a friendly spirit, understanding and cooperation," he added.

Official sources, however, made it clear that there was no change in India's position and insisted that the Marines will be prosecuted according to the Indian law.

Terzi said the incident was triggered by the widespread threat of piracy and exhorted greater cooperation with India in combating piracy.

Two Indian fishermen, Ajesh Binki and Gelastine, were allegedly mistaken as pirates and shot dead by the security crew of cargo vessel Enrica Lexie on February 15. Two Italian Marines have been arrested for the shooting.

Latorre Massimillano and Salvatore Girone have been remanded by a court in Kollam, 150 km from Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram, to 14 days of police custody.

Last week, the two sides sought partial accommodation when the Kerala court hearing the shooting case allowed joint ballistic examination of the weapons used in the killing.