European Parliament refrains from passing anti-India resolution

Brussels, Jan 16:

The European Parliament Thursday refused to adopt a resolution against India on the issue of Italian marines being accused of killing two Indian fisherman and thereby facing trial in India.

The parliament in a statement said:”The case involving the two Italian marines having killed two Indian fishermen, is sub judice, and is being discussed between India and Italy.”

It went on to explain: “The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its ruling Jan 14, 2015, has granted three months extension to the Italian marine, Massimiliano Latorre, for his stay in Italy on health grounds and the other marine, Salvatore Girone, is living in the Italian embassy in New Delhi.”

It concluded: “Under these circumstances, the European Parliament would have been well advised not to adopt the resolution.”

The delay in dispensing justice one way or another and the debate over jurisdiction has made the case a contentious matter between New Delhi and Rome. The Supreme Court ruling Wednesday, though, was timely.

However, it is understood the Indian embassy in Brussels accredited to the European Union mounted considerable pressure on European Union member countries and the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) not to adopt a resolution against India, and were obviously successful. (IANS)