A furious Italy today upped the ante in its standoff with India over the trial of its two marines by recalling its Ambassador in New Delhi and accusing Indian authorities of "unreliable" behaviour amid reports that Italian government may freeze bilateral accords.
Announcing Italy's decision to recall the Ambassador, Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino said, "The Italian government has ordered the immediate recall of its Ambassador in India, Daniele Mancini, for consultations."
Indian Ambassador in Rome Basant Kumar Gupta was summoned to the Foreign Ministry and told that India was appearing to be drawing out the "affair" of the marines facing trial for allegedly killing two fishermen off Kerala coast two years ago. Italy's "dismay" over the prolongation of the trial was conveyed to him, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
What appeared to have angered Italy today was the postponement of the Supreme Court hearing in New Delhi earlier in the day to February 24 in the case involving marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, facing murder charges. The hearing was earlier scheduled for today.
Leading the charge against India was Bonino who said after the Court had delayed the case for "umpteenth time" that "we cannot go and get them (marines) by military force" but "several initiatives" were open to the new Italian government to be sworn-in by the weekend.
Media reports in Rome said that the "initiatives" may include freezing bilateral accords and pulling soldiers from anti-piracy missions being undertaken by the Italian navy.
In New Delhi, official sources said Ministry of External Affairs have not been informed by Italy about the move. There is no need for the Italian government to inform MEA, if they are calling their Ambassador for consultations, they said.
