Airport alert to prevent Italian envoy Mancini's exit

The government on Friday continued to struggle to strike a balance between political compulsions and diplomatic fallouts, as it contemplated a fitting response to Italy's refusal to send its two marines to face trial in India.

The government on Friday continued to struggle to strike a balance between political compulsions and diplomatic fallouts, as it contemplated a fitting response to Italy's refusal to send its two marines to face trial in India.

Meanwhile, the Union home ministry put airports across India on alert to prevent Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini from leaving the country.

This is in keeping with Thursday's Supreme Court advisory restraining Mancini from leaving India without its permission.

The two marines accused of shooting dead two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast last year, had been allowed by the SC to return to Italy in the last week of February following a written assurance by Mancini that they would return in four weeks' time.

The government is under pressure from opposition parties to act tough on the Italian envoy and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already warned Italy of "consequences" if it does not stand by its commitment.

While there has been no comment from the Italian embassy in New Delhi, the government is expected to plan its next step after Monday's SC hearing.

Experts say instead of sending the envoy back, it would be better for India, if Italy called him back.