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February 13, 2014

NATO Chief Expresses Concern over Italian Marines’ Case in India

By Justyna Pawlak, Reuters

NATO Chief Expresses Concern over Italian Marines’ Case in India

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, December 4, 2013NATO warned India on Wednesday that using anti-terrorism legislation to try two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen would undermine international efforts to combat piracy.

India has announced its Supreme Court will hold a hearing next week on whether to charge marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone under its maritime security law, provoking criticism from the European Union and Italian authorities. . . .

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Wednesday called for an “appropriate resolution“.

“I am personally very concerned about the situation of the two Italian sailors. I am also concerned by the suggestion that they could be tried for terrorism offences,” he told a news conference in Brussels.

“This could have possible negative implications for the international fight against piracy. A fight which is in all of our interest.”

Image: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, December 4, 2013 (photo: NATO)