Fishermen killings: Italy to offer blood money to victims’ families?

Mangalore Today / CNN IBN

New Delhi, Feb 28: The Italian Foreign Minister met his Indian counterpart SM Krishna on Tuesday over the alleged killings of two Indian fishermen by Italian naval guards. Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi expressed regret and condolences to the families of the victims in the meeting.

After the meeting, Krishna said that there was a strong public opinion on both sides. In a joint press briefing, Krishna said, "We met in the backdrop of an unfortunate incident in which two Indian fishermen were killed. There was strong public opinion on both sides. We need to consider the public opinion and clear the air."

He added that both the countries will work to take a mature decision in the case.

 

 

Italian Foreign Minister Terzi focused on the India-Italy ties and said that he was satisfied with India’s co-operation in the judicial process in the fishermen’s case. He however maintained that the incident took place in international waters.

According to sources, the Italian Foreign Minister said that their government will abide by the Indian rule of law in the matter.

The Italian minister is also expected to offer a compensation package to the victims’ families.

The Italian Foreign Minister arrived in India on Tuesday morning on a two-day visit over the killing of two Indian fishermen allegedly by Italian naval guards. He is accompanied by the family members of the two Italian navy personnel who have been arrested over the alleged killings.

He also Commerce Minister Anand Sharma before heading to Kochi to meet Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Meanwhile, the Centre and State governments are likely to file their replies in the High Court to the Italian marines’ petitions seeking to quash the FIR against them.