Italy, India at odds over fishermen shootings

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Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi today warned of 'considerable differences' with India over the alleged killing of two Indian fishermen mistaken for pirates by Italian soldiers on an oil tanker.

"There are currently considerable differences of a legal character. Up to now I have not seen the co-operation between India and Italy that would be desirable and would allow a quick resolution," Terzi said.

'They have immunity'

Italy says the men have immunity from Indian law as the tanker, the Enrica Lexie, was flying with an Italian flag in international waters as it sailed from Singapore to Egypt when the shooting occurred on Wednesday.

The two soldiers, who were deployed on the ship under a new law passed in Italy last year to protect against the growing threat from pirates in the Indian Ocean, are due before a magistrate today.

They were escorted off the vessel and arrested yesterday. Latore Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone were arrested by Kerala Police on Sunday.

They have been charged with murder under section 302 of the Indian Penel Code.

The deceased fishermen - Valentine Jalastine and Ajeesh Binki - last week set out to sea in a boat along with nine fellow-fishermen from Neendakara fishing harbour.

They were allegedly killed by the marines who fired at their boat on February 15.

'Anchored ship causing difficulties'

Meanwhile, Cochin Port sources said the Italian vessel would be moved to the outer anchorage within the port limits.

The ship is presently inside the oil terminal due to which other oil tankers of various companies are finding it difficult to discharge cargo.

Two tankers of Kochi Refinery are in the outer harbour waiting to discharge their cargo containing furnace oil, Euro-III and Euro-IV products.

Cochin Port and Coastguard would monitor the movement of the Italian ship, Port sources said.