External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today said that the two Italian marines allegedly involved in the killing of Indian fishermen, are returning to India.

Making a statement in both the Houses of Parliament, Mr Khurshid said, the Italian government is arranging for the return of the two marines within the timeframe permitted by the Supreme Court of India. He said the apex court will be informed about the recent developments on the issue.

The Minister said the two marines will not be arrested since they will have fulfilled the conditions laid down by the Supreme Court for their release to travel to Italy for four weeks.

Mr Khurshid said New Delhi has allayed the apprehension of the Italian government that this case does not fall under the category of the rarest of rare cases and will not attract death penalty.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has welcomed Italy ‘s decision to send back its marines to India .

Talking to mediapersons outside the Parliament Dr Singh said that there return would be in accordance with the direction of Supreme Court and consistent with the dignity of Judicial Process in India .