Italy rejects Indian jurisdiction of marines case - update

(ANSA) - Rome, June 10 - Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti on Tuesday reiterated that Rome rejected India's claim to jurisdiction of the case of two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen during an anti-piracy mission in 2012. "Our government confirms the rejection of Indian jurisdiction," said Pinotti about the case of marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, who have been prevented leaving India for over two years even though no charges against them have yet been presented. "They were on an anti-piracy mission and therefore covered by the immunity of being State officials and this certifies the international ambit of the case".
    The Italian government has said it hopes that India's newly government of Narendra Modi will be open to negotiations, while stressing that it will take the case to international arbitration if the pair are not allowed to come home soon.
    "It's still possible to seek an agreement with the new Indian government, but if an agreement isn't possible and we find ourselves faced with attempts at deferment or rejection, we'll go ahead with the arbitration procedure and we hope to have them here as soon as possible".
    Pinotti also spoke via video link to the marines at a Navy event and showed the pair Italian national team World Cup shirts with their names on the back.
    Latorre and Girone are accused of killing fishermen Valentine (aka Gelastine) and Ajesh Binki after allegedly mistaking them for pirates and opening fire on their fishing trawler while guarding the privately owned Italian-flagged oil-tanker MT Enrica Lexie off the coast of Kerala on February 15, 2012.
    The marines have been living and working at the Italian embassy in India pending charges in the case that has stressed relations between India and Italy.