Italian Minister fails to meet fishermans kin

KOLLAM: Expressing his unhappiness over not being able to meet the family of fisherman Valentine alias Jelestine, who was killed in the firing from vessel Enrica Lexie, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Staffan de Mistura told mediapersons here on Sunday that it is ‘misappropriate’ to visit the family as they are understandably bereaved.The minister said he takes into account the emotions of the entire fisherfolk, who are under grief after a second mishap in the deep waters.The Deputy Foreign Minister and team’s plans to meet Jelestine’s family during the mass at the Infant Jesus Cathedral, Tangasseri, suffered a setback as the City Police is said to have dissuaded them owing to security reasons. The meeting would not have materialised as Jelestine’s family too refused to meet the Minister.Responding on his purpose of visit to Kollam, Staffan de Mistura said that he wanted to convey the condolences from the Italian people to the fishermen’s family. Mistura, who had visited the two Italian marines arrested in connection with the incident on Saturday at the Police Club here, said that the marines had been treated well in custody. He said that the Italian Government and the people were extending all support to the marines.On the ongoing murder case against the marines, Mistura said that the judicial system in India is independent and transparent. It has been hearing the versions of both the prosecution and the defence. “We are looking forward to the outcome of the judicial process. The presence of the Italian ballistic experts during  the forensic examination would add to the transparency of the probe,” he said.Meanwhile, Jelestine’s family members, who were initially positive towards meeting Mistura later decided not to meet him. Elder son of Valentine, Derrick, told mediapersons that the decision was made after holding discussions with their relatives and the church. “Such a meeting at this juncture may lead to denial of justice,” he said.Later in the day, Mistura, accompanied by two Foreign Ministry officials, returned to New Delhi.