U.S. to Retain Italy Cable Car Case

ROME —  The United States told Italy on Friday that it will not surrender jurisdiction over the investigation into the cable car accident involving an American military jet that killed 20 people.

Rome had held out little hope that the United States would grant the request. Under a North Atlantic Treaty Organization agreement, allies have the right to probe and prosecute their own military personnel for possible misconduct during official operations. No NATO country has ever given up that right.

Last month, the Italians asked for jurisdiction in the investigation of the Feb. 3 disaster at an Alpine resort where the cable car packed with skiers crashed into the slopes after the Marine jet sliced its cable.

On Thursday, a Marine investigation board placed the blame for the tragedy on the four crew members, saying they broke rules on how fast and how low they could fly.

Their commanding officer said he would convene the military equivalent of a criminal grand jury.

The decision on jurisdiction was made by Gen. Wesley Clark, who is in charge of the U.S. European Command, said Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon.

The U.S. Embassy said the decision came after “careful and sympathetic review of the Italian request.”

“While fully aware and respectful of the Italian concerns, this decision is in keeping with the provisions of the NATO Status of Forces agreement,” a U.S. Embassy statement said, adding that it is also U.S. policy “to maximize criminal jurisdiction over its military personnel.”