Brussels, Feb 25 : European Union Parliament president Martin Schulz has urged Indian authorities to expedite the legal proceedings against the two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala in February 2012.

Opening the parliament session in the French city of Strasbourg Monday evening, Schulz noted that two years have passed since the two Italian marines, Massimilliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone, were detained and accused of killing the two Indian fishermen.

According to an European Parliament press release Tuesday, Schulz did not comment on the substance of the charges, but urged the Indian judiciary to expedite any legal proceedings against them.

He also noted Italy's wish that India should abide by the UN Law of the Sea Convention, and stressed that EU-India relations must be based on mutual respect, diplomacy and dialogue.(IANS)