Unfair to link Sonia with Italian marines issue: Salman Khurshid

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has slammed those linking UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to the Italian marines issue saying it was "extremely unfair". "It is extremely unfair to link Sonia Gandhi to the marines issue," he said, adding the issue wasn't over yet and the government was waiting to see what happened on Monday in the Supreme Court, when the hearing in the case resumes.

The Minister of External Affairs also said that the Italian envoy, Daniele Mancini, would not be detained as he enjoys diplomatic immunity. "There is no detention of the Italian envoy. He is free to move," Khurshid said. On Thursday, the Supreme Court had issued a directive restraining Mancini from leaving the country and on Friday, airports were alerted to prevent the diplomat from leaving India.

Government sources, however, admitted that while Mancini may not be detained, the Supreme Court's directive will be followed.

The Minister of External Affairs also said that the Italian envoy, Daniele Mancini, would not be detained over the issue as he enjoys diplomatic immunity.

Ties between India and Italy have been strained ever since the latter refused to send back the two marines, accused of killing two Kerala fishermen, to India for trial. The two had been allowed four-week leave by the Supreme Court to partake in the Italian elections. Their leave ends on March 22.

However, last week, Italy informed India that the duo would not be coming back.

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• Italian envoy enjoys immunity, but SC order will be followed: Sources

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