Italy asks Kerala govt to ensure facilities for marines

Italy on Thursday asked the Kerala government to implement the guidelines outlined in the Geneva Agreement for war prisoners in the case of two Italian marines, who were arrested and lodged at the Central prison in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with the killing of two Indian fishermen.

This was put forward by a delegation from Italy led by Italian Defence Minister Giam Paolo di Paolo when he met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

The delegation also wanted the state to implement the provisions mentioned in the United Nations Resolution with regard to prisoners, an official release said.

Matters related to quarters, food, cloth and facilities for sports activities are mentioned in the resolution and Chandy assured the delegation that all these would be implemented, it said.

Chandy also reiterated Kerala's stand that the two Italian marines should adhere to Indian law in the case. Additional Chief Secretary K Jayakumar and DGP Jacob Punnose were among those present from the state at the meeting.

Two fishermen were killed when the marines allegedly fired at their fishing boat off Kollam coast on February 15 from Italian ship 'Enrica Lexie'.