The request was activated on June 26. Acceptance was a mere formality, given that India has signed the UN convention on the Law of the Sea, Article 287, which sets out methods for resolving disputes, but confirms the "consolidation of the arbitration process", as the Italian foreign office stressed in a statement. The prosecutor has also agreed to a six-month extension to Massimiliano Latorre's convalescence in Italy after undergoing heart surgery in January, following an ischaemic attack on Aug. 30. The other marine, Salvatore Girone, is still holed up in the Italian embassy in New Delhi, where he is collaborating with the military attache. In a statement, the Italian foreign office said Italy "was now activating all necessary measures" for Girone to be able to return to Italy. The Indian Supreme Court has postponed the decision on Italy's request to suspend the internal judiciary procedure for the duration of the arbitration process until it can be heard at a hearing set for August 26. The Indian government is to present an official report on the case at that date. The arbitration process could take between two to four years, as an international court will need to be set up. (AGI)