Renzi phones Ban Ki-moon over Italian marines in India
UN secretary-general assures 'utmost effort' to resolve row
26 February, 19:12
(ANSA) - Rome, February 26 - Premier Matteo Renzi phoned
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday to
"confirm (Italy's) expectation that the UN will contribute to a
solution" to the case of two Italian marines facing murder
charges in India two years after the alleged crime at sea while
on an anti-piracy mission.According to a statement from the premier's office, Ban assured the UN's "utmost effort", adding he was aware of the global implications of the affair regarding anti-piracy missions in the future. Marines Massimiliano Girone and Salvatore Latorre are facing trial in India for allegedly killing two Indian fishermen during an anti-piracy mission in 2012.
The pair have not been allowed to leave the country, working at the Italian embassy while the courts decide how the two should be tried. A series of drawn-out delays have angered Italy, especially deliberations surrounding whether the pair should face the death penalty for charges of terrorism, which was eventually ruled out. Renzi, whose new government passed confidence votes this week, has vowed to work to bring the pair back to Italy "with honor".
