Marines issue: Italy recalls envoy to India

Rome, December 17

Italy recalled its ambassador to New Delhi on Wednesday for “urgent consultations” after the Indian apex court rejected the request by two Italian marines to stay at home during the period of Christmas holidays.

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni told parliamentarians “this did not mean Italy wished to cut diplomatic ties with New Delhi.”

Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti also said Wednesday the full physical recovery of marine Massimiliano Latorre was “a priority for the government and nothing will be done to jeopardise his condition”.

Latorre has been in Italy for treatment but Tuesday, the Indian Supreme Court refused his request to stay for longer time, asking he return to India for the controversial case of the two Italian marines who allegedly shot dead two Indian fishermen some three years ago. Latorre’s leave was granted by the Indian government after he suffered a form of heart attack. The court also rejected the request of the other Italian marine, Salvatore Girone, to return home for Christmas. — IANS