A UN Arbitral Tribunal hearing the case of Italian marines ruled on Monday that marine Salvatore Girone may be allowed to return to Italy during the ongoing arbitration, even as it said that Girone would have to remain under the authority of India’s Supreme Court. While Italian foreign ministry was quick to claim vindication saying that it would now contact India to ensure Girone’s return as soon as possible, Indian authorities accused Italy of misrepresenting the tribunal order and reminded them that the tribunal had recognized Girone was under India’s “authority alone”. Even as the other marine, Massimiliano Latorre, is in Italy mainly because of his medical condition, Girone remains in India, on bail provided by Supreme Court. Italy said the court order meant that Girone could return home at least until the court proceedings are over. “The Arbitral Tribunal unanimously prescribed that India and Italy would approach the Supreme Court of India for relaxation of bail conditions of Sergeant Girone. While remaining under the authority of the Supreme Co urt of India, he may return to Italy for the duration of the present arbitration,” said MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup. The tribunal also confirmed Italy’s obligation to return him to India in case it was found that India had jurisdiction over him in respect of the incident. MEA said the tribunal left it to the Supreme Court of India to fix the precise conditions of Sergeant Girone’s bail. “This could include him reporting to an authority in Italy designated by our Supreme Court, surrendering his passport to Italian authorities and not leaving Italy without the permission of our Supreme Court. Italy shall apprise our Supreme Court of his situation every three months,” added the spokesperson. The government said the order had upheld the authority of the Supreme Court. Officials said that they would soon approach the apex court for further directions on the matter. Indian government sources said the tribunal had neither released nor freed the marine. “It only recommends further relaxation of bail conditions of one Italian marine (Girone) to be considered and decided upon by the Indian Supreme Court,” said Indian officials. Italy said it would contact India to ensure that Girone returned home as soon as possible, in keeping with the court order. Italian PM Matteo Renzi described the ruling as a significant step forward.”I’ll take advantage of this moment to send a message of friendship to the great people of India,” he said. Four years have passed since fishermen from Neen dakara here, Valentine Je lastine and Ajesh Pinku, were shot dead by two marines guarding an Italian oil tanker M T Enrica Lexie on February 15, 2012. Jelarine’s wife Dora has moved on with her life and do not wish any more that the marines be tried and punished. “Four years have gone since I lost my husband and it was difficult for me at the beginning to come into terms with his sudden demise. However, the support from many sides gave us hope and helped revive our lives. I don’t insist that the marines should be tried and punished. I am not against freeing them,” said Dora. She said this while reacting to the recent news of a United Nations arbitration court ruling India to send back Salvatore Girone, one of the two Italian marines arrested for allegedly killing the fishermen in Kollam. However, Dora is thankful for the help the Italian government had given to her, which helped her family to take their lives forward. “I am thankful for the help ex tended by the Italians, which had enabled me to finance the education of my sons Derrick and Dean. The state government has also helped me with a job in fisheries department in Kollam”, she said. She also remembers the kind gestures of the Italians.”They visited us during Christmas after the incident and would occasionally call Father Rajesh Martin, the priest who helped them during the crisis, to enquire about us. However, for the last couple of years, have not heard from them,” she said. She is also hoping that the Italians would keep their word of helping her elder son with a job once he completes his education.
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