New Delhi, March 16
In the backdrop of its diplomatic stand-off with India over the Italian marines’ issue, Italy has asked its citizens to be “vigilant and cautious” in this country, especially 
in Kerala.

In an advisory issued earlier this week, Italy also asked its nationals to stay away from any crowd as tension mounted between New Delhi and Rome over the latter’s refusal to send back the two marines to face trial in India for the murder of two Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast early last year.

“In connection with any protests, especially in the state of Kerala, related to each of the two sailors, it is recommended to compatriots in maintaining an attitude always vigilant and cautious and stay away from any crowds,” the advisory said.

The Supreme Court has already restrained Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini from leaving India for reneging on his undertaking to the Supreme Court that the two marines would return to this country within four weeks after casting ballots in the February 24-25 elections. The government had alerted all airports across the country yesterday to ensure that the apex court’s order was complied with.

The Supreme Court will hear on Monday the case relating to the two marines with the deadline for their return ending on March 22.

The European Union (EU), meanwhile, hoped Italy and India would find a “mutually acceptable” solution to the escalating dispute over Rome's decision not to return to India two marines for trial on murder charges. “The EU is taking note of the ongoing discussions between India and Italy and continues to hope that a mutually acceptable solution can be found through negotiation,” said a spokesperson for Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief.