Italy refuses to return marines

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Kerala MPs that Italy’s decision not to send back its naval guards to India is ‘unacceptable’.

Two Italian naval officers have been charged with killing two Kerala fishermen last year, were granted four weeks bail by Supreme Court to go back to Italy to cast their votes in general elections. Italian foreign ministry issued a statement recently saying they will not send back their naval guards Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone to India.

Prime minister reportedly upset with Italy’s decision and said external affairs minister Salman Khurshid will to take up the issue with Italy.

“We will study and take a rightful position… We will take informed position,” Salman Khurshid told reporters.

Meanwhile opposition parties accused the government  of india of conspiracy.

BJP MP Balbir Punj said, “Why is the Indian government soft on Italians? They were arrested and the fact almost completely proven. These two are criminals who are being protected by Inian government in collusion with Italians.”

CPM MP N Balgopal said, “It’s a very serious issue. There is some conspiracy. PM says it is not acceptable for India. It is a very serious issue and people are very agitated. We hope the government will take immediate steps to bring them back.”

We at spectralhues, believe the government should break all diplomatic ties with Italy as a first step because breach of trust particularly sovereign breach of trust – is not acceptable.

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