PM warns Italy of 'consequences' over Italian marines issue - Hindustan Times

Italy obliged to send marines back: Ranjan Mathai Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warned Italy on Wednesday that there would be "consequences" unless it returned two of its marines who skipped bail while on trial for murder in India. Singh told MPs that his government had told Italian authorities to "respect the undertakings they have given" that the pair would return to India after being allowed to return home to vote in Italy's recent general election. "If they do not keep their word there will be consequences for our relations with Italy," Singh said amid reports that Italy's ambassador could be expelled. Singh on Wednesday said the decision by Italian authorities to keep back the marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen had caused agitation within the whole country and expressed his readiness for a discussion on the matter in Parliament. "The House is agitated over the conduct of the Italian authorities. The country as a whole is agitated. I share the concern of the members," he said in the Lok Sabha. "We are ready for any discussion in whatever form you direct. We are ready to discuss it at a proper time. You can fix the time," he said. The Supreme Court in February allowed the marines - Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone - to fly to Italy to vote in the February 24-25 national elections. The apex court was given an undertaking that the marines would return in four weeks to face legal proceedings in India. However, the Italian embassy Monday informed New Delhi that the marines would not be returning to India. The marines, posted as security cover on board Italian oil tanker Enrica Lexie, had shot dead two Indian fishermen Feb 15 last year, mistaking them for pirates. (With inputs from AFP, IANS) via Top Stories - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNH3Jl0QBb2FovLLFsE8rMbXCrTu6g&url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/PM-warns-Italy-of-consequences-over-Italian-marines-issue/Article1-1025633.aspx

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