Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti
on Thursday denied that the government had accepted Indian
jurisdiction in the case of two marines being held by India on
suspicion of murdering two Indian fishermen during an
anti-piracy mission in 2012.
"Italy informed India's supreme court of the consequences
of the August 24 decision by the International tribunal for the
law of the sea suspending all judicial proceedings underway, and
therefore how it was precluded from taking any decision
concerning Massimiliano Latorre, who could therefore remain in
Italy," Pinotti said during a parliamentary question time.
Latorre has been in Italy since suffering a stroke in 2014
but was due to return to India on Friday.
On Wednesday the Indian Supreme Court decided to extend his
permit to stay in Italy for health reasons until April 30, after
the head of the Senate's defence committee Nicola Latorre said
Massimiliano would not return to India.
In regard to Salvatore Girone, the other marine being held
by India and who is staying at the Italian embassy in New Delhi,
Pinotta said "we have asked for him to be returned to Italy for
the duration of the arbitration".
The defence minister said Italy had lodged a request with
the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague for Girone to be
able to return to Italy on December 11.
The court would examine the matter at a hearing set for January
18, Pinotti said.
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