New Delhi, Mar 14 (IANS): External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Thursday said the government would keep in mind aspirations of people as it deals with Italy's refusal to send back two marines facing trial for killing two Indian fishermen.

Speaking to reporters here, Khurshid said the aspirations of people were paramount and the government would inform the Supreme Court of the steps taken by it in the wake of the Italian government's decision.

He said the government would inform the court about its position through its law officer, and the court would take a final call.

Khurshid said the government would ensure that the dignity of the country is preserved.

The Supreme Court in February allowed Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, accused of killing two Indian fishermen off Kerala, to fly to Italy to vote in the Feb 24-25 national election.

When the Italians were allowed by the Supreme Court to return to Italy for a second time (they went during Christmas and returned), Rome's ambassador here Daniele Mancini had promised that the two would return to India and stand trial here.