Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi resigned today, protesting government's U-turn to send back to India two Italian marines accused of killing Indian fishermen to defuse the raging diplomatic row.
Tersi's decision to quit came four days after the Italian government reversed its earlier decision not to send back to India, Massimiliano Latore and Salvatore Girone, who faced murder charges for shooting dead two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast February last year.
Italy had first reneged on its assurance to Indian Supreme Court of sending back the two marines but later backtracked after both the Indian government and the apex court stepped up the heat amid New Delhi's warning of downgrading ties with Rome.
"I resign in contention with the decision to send the marines back to India. The misgivings I expressed had no effect on the decision taken," the 66-year-old told parliament, indicating a rift in the government over the marines' issue.
"I am resigning because for 40 years I have maintained, and still maintain, that the reputation of the country, the armed forces and Italian diplomacy, should be safeguarded," he said.
"My reservations had no impact and the decision was not mine," Terzi said before parliament in a statement of resignation. "My voice went unheard".
"I am also standing down in solidarity with our two marines and their families," Terzi added.
Taking a different line, Italian defense minister Giampaolo Di Paola vowed not to resign and to stand by the two marines.
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