Gentiloni sees 'change of pace' in marines case

(ANSA) - Rome, November 20 - There has been a "significant change of pace compared to the past" in the case of two Italian marines who may face charges in the shooting deaths of two Indian fishermen almost three years ago, Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said Thursday.
    "Respectful dialogue is the way forward" between the governments in Rome and New Delhi, he said.
    Italy has long been calling for dialogue with the Indian government over the case of Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone who allegedly shot the fishermen while on anti-pirate duty in February 2012.
    The two marines have been held in India without formal charges for much of the time since then.
    India has repeatedly refused to negotiate, insisting the marines should be tried in India even though the alleged incident occurred in international waters and during an international anti-piracy mission.
    The deadlock has led to diplomatic friction between the countries and prompted Italy to begin procedures for obtaining international arbitration in the case.
    Girone is living at the Italian embassy in New Delhi pending a resolution to the case while Latorre is currently in Italy undergoing rehabilitative therapy after suffering a stroke-like attack in India in the summer.