SC asks Italian Ambassador not to leave, Govt reviews ties

In an unprecedented action, the Supreme Court today restrained the Italian Ambassador from leaving India without its permission even as government began a review of entire gamut of relations with Italy which could result in downgrading of diplomatic ties over marines issue.
Clearly unhappy over Italian government's refusal to send back marines charged with the killing of two Indian fishermen, a bench headed by the Chief Justice also issued notices to the Ambassador and the two marines --Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone-- asking them to file their response by March 18.
The apex court issued notices after Attorney General (AG) G E Vahanvati brought the issue before the bench, saying that "it's a breach of undertaking given to the highest court of the land and the government is extremely concerned about it".

The two marines were allowed by the apex court to go to Italy to cast their vote in the elections there after Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini had given an assurance to send them back.
Meanwhile, the government has initiated review of entire gamut of relations with Italy which includes diplomatic, trade and defence ties apart from reaching out to European Union, which was briefed on India's views and position in the matter.
Official spokesman in the Ministry of External Affairs said the "entire expanse of our interaction" with Italy was being reviewed while stressing that Italy has to "respect and abide" by the agreements between it and the Supreme Court.

"As part of our ongoing efforts following what the Prime Minister has said in Parliament yesterday, we have initiated a study of our interaction with Italy. At the end of the internal process, we will take further action that is appropriate, taking into account all aspects of our relationship," he said.

He was replying to whether the MEA will wait for further action till March 18, the deadline given by the Supreme Court to the Italians to file their response.
Sources said India's Ambassador-designate to Italy Basant Kumar Gupta, who was scheduled to leave for Rome tomorrow, is not proceeding there now.

The sources said that a decision on whether to expel the Italian Ambassador and on whether Gupta should take up the posting would also be taken after the review.