Italian marines row could impact ties: EU

Brussels, December 17

The European Union’s new foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has expressed her disappointment over the Indian Supreme Court’s decision on the case of two Italian marines and warned that the issue could have impact on EU-India relations.

“The decision to deny the plea of Massimiliano Latorre for an extension of his stay in Italy for medical treatment and to refuse Salvatore Girone permission to spend the Christmas period at home is disappointing, as a long-awaited mutually agreed solution has not yet proved possible,” said Mogherini, a former Italian Foreign Minister, in a statement late Tuesday night.

“The situation of these two European military personnel has been pending for almost three years now. The EU has consistently called for a mutually agreeable solution, in the interest of both Italy and India, based on international law. The issue has the potential to impact the overall European Union-India relations and has also a bearing on the global fight against piracy, to which the EU is strongly committed,” she stated.

The EU will continue to follow closely the issue, is in touch with the Italian government and reiterates its call for a swift solution, added the statement. — IANS