By IANS,
Brussels : European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton Tuesday met Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti to discuss the issue of two Italian marines who are in jail in India for killing two fishermen after mistaking them to be pirates, EuAsiaNews reported.
Ashton briefed the prime minister on the EU’s latest contacts with Indian authorities, her spokesperson Maja Kocijancic said.
“She (Ashton) underlined the need to put this incident into the broader context of international cooperation on counter piracy and more specifically on the issue of regulating privately contracted arms security guards which is being discussed on the International Maritime Organisation,” the spokesperson said.
“We hope to see a satisfactory resolution of this case as soon as possible,” she said.
Ashton and Monti have agreed to stay in close touch over the matter.
Two Italian marines were arrested for the killing of two Indian fishermen whom they mistook for pirates Feb 15.
Italy says the incident happened in international waters while India says it took place within its territorial waters.