This is a first step towards a comprehensive solution to the case – which concerns, above all, the return of our two Navy riflemen held in Kerala”. The comment was made by Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi during his mission to Africa, referring to the decision by the Supreme Court in New Delhi to authorise the departure of the Enrica Lexie oil tanker, its 24-member crew and the four marines from the anti-piracy unit on board.
Diplomatic efforts continuing at all levels
“It remains very clear that at all stages of this affair the principle of sole Italian jurisdiction has been reiterated”, stated Terzi. He underscored that, as regards the two marines still being held, “our diplomatic efforts with the Indian authorities, at all levels, is continuing”.
The oil tanker could lift anchor “as soon as the formalities required to meet the conditions imposed by the Supreme Court have been completed”, explain Deljeet Titus to the ANSA news agency on leaving the Court. Titus is the lawyer who, with Harish Salve, is representing Italy in this case. More specifically, a number of procedures must be followed at the High Court in Kerala. These include the payment of a bank guarantee and ratification of the undertakings signed by Captain Umberto Vitelli and the ship-owners to the effect that they will, if requested, attend the trial in India.
