PM: Italy step over marines ‘unacceptable’
Angered and betrayed by Rome’s decision to not allow its two marines facing murder charges here to return to India, the external affairs ministry summoned Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini to South Block on Tuesday evening to warn him his government was “obliged to ensure their return to India within the stipulated period” as per the conditions laid down by the Supreme Court.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reportedly told a group of Left MPs the Italian decision was “unacceptable”.
It has put Indo-Italian ties, already frayed after the arrest of the marines a year ago, under acute strain again.
The bribery allegations in the VVIP helicopter deal between AgustaWestland, owned by Italy’s Finmeccanica, and the Indian government have also cast a shadow on bilateral defence ties.
The marines’ issue was also raised in Parliament by the Opposition on Tuesday, and the BJP may move a call attention motion in both Houses on Wednesday.
Foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai, who conveyed India’s displeasure to the Italian envoy, said the latter was told “the content of the note... given to us conveying the position of the government of Italy is not acceptable to us”.
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