BRUSSELS: The European Union said on Tuesday India would violate international law if it stops Italy’s ambassador from leaving the country in a diplomatic row over two Italian marines charged with the murder of two Indian fishermen in Kerala last year.
In statement issued by EU foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton in Brussels on Tuesday said the move is a breach of international law.
The Indian top court last week ordered the Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini not to leave the country after Rome’s refusal to send back two marines to face trial for killing Indian fishermen.
The marines, Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, are accused of shooting dead two fishermen off India’s southwest coast in February last year, when a fishing boat sailed close to the Italian oil tanker they were guarding. They say they mistook the fishermen for pirates.
EU foreign policy chief noted the Indian court’s ruling about the ambassador “with concern”, Ashton’s spokesman said.
Ashton regarded the 1961 Vienna Convention, which sets rules for diplomatic relations, as a cornerstone of the international legal order that should be respected at all times, he said in a statement.
“Any limitations to the freedom of movement of the ambassador of Italy to India would be contrary to the international obligations established under this convention,” he added.
“(Ashton) continues to hope that a mutually acceptable solution can be found through dialogue and in respect of international rules and encourages the parties to explore all avenues to that effect,” the statement said.
On Monday, Italy accused India of violating international law on diplomatic immunity by preventing its ambassador from leaving the country, in an escalating row over two marines who skipped bail while on trial for murder in New Delhi.
DND
