Debate during the plenary session of January in Strasbourg of the case of the two Italian Mar&ograve;. Statements by Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Lara COMI (EPP, IT), Pier Antonio PANZERI (S&amp;D, IT), Ivan JAKOVČIĆ (ALDE, HR) and Karima DELLI (Greens/EFA, FR)

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - India (T)

respect for human rights in the world (T)

PANZERI, Pier Antonio (S&D, IT)

MOGHERINI, Federica (IT, EC)

DELLI, Karima (Greens/EFA, FR)

COMI, Lara (EPP, IT)

JAKOVČIĆ, Ivan (ALDE, HR)

Cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - The case of the two Italian "Marò": extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, "We note with satisfaction the decision taken today by the Indian Supreme t to allow treatment of Massimiliano Latorre for his illness. He requires urgent medical treatment in Italy. Given the fact that this ruling could actually mark the beginning of the end taking us towards a rapid and definitive solutions for both marines."

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, "The EU and India have a shared commitment to protect international shipping. However, the basic conditions for such cooperation is mutual respect. We share values and mutual interests with India and we often work together in the international scene. Everybody must be aware of the impact of the detention of these two officials of the Italian navy.his is severely testing the relations between the EU and India. "

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Lara COMI (EPP, IT), "Vice-President, we've got this three-month period to bring our marine home. Before Latorre is forced to return to India, he should not go back to India, and Girone should return to Italy. In fact there has never been an official request for assistance from Europe., Schulz and Ashton have stepped in ,but no specific request has been made to the. I, Vice-President, with my colleagues are, I am calling for the assistance of Europe."

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Pier Antonio PANZERI (S&amp;D, IT), "This resolution is not designed to be hostile to India or to the people of India, to who we extend our friendship. This resolution strives to find a balanced solution to the situation that has been dragging on for too long. As a result, I would like to expressly welcome the ruling handed down by the Indian Supreme Court, which enabled the Italian marine to stay on in Italy for medical treatment. Our objective is still to find a solution to this problem based on guidelines invoking reasonable solutions."

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Ivan JAKOV&#268;I&#262; (ALDE, HR), "All of you know that the poor Indian fishermen were not pirates, neither did those accused think that they were fishermen on the small boat. The marines were actually fighting for Europe and the Italian interests and they thought they were doing something to protect the security of the vessels they wer on and the assets that the were taking. The process or proceedings that don't exist is something, that there are no proceedings and no protocol means that we really have to ask that the marines are returned to Italy. And that Italian or international court prosecute this case."

SOUNDBITE (French), Karima DELLI (Greens/EFA, FR), "If the EU is going to be credible it is going to have to be consistent with all its partners. Yes India is a major trading partner. But that is exactly why the EU has proper leverage here. The trade agreements concluded with the EU come with strings attached with respect for our values, so Madame High representative, can you recall this fact when you dialogue with them. These two marines should't be sacrificed on the altar of free trade."