07/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - EEAS keeping close eye on the case of Italian marines being held in India. Working closely with its delegation in New Delhi and the Italian authorities, the European Union is monitoring developments in the detention by the Indian authorities of two Italian marines accused of opening fire, at the end of February, on fisherman whom they suspected of being pirates, said Maja Kocijancic, the spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs on Wednesday 7 March. She said that the European External Action Service (EEAS) had paid the closest attention to this matter from the beginning. She added that the EEAS, which was handling matters at the request of Italy, was working to bring about a satisfactory conclusion as quickly as possible. Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti has held discussions with High Representative Catherine Ashton on the case. (CG/transl.rt)