Three ETA suspects detained in France

Three suspected members of the Basque separatist group ETA have been arrested in southern France.

The trio were reportedly armed and driving a stolen car.

Spanish authorities have named them as key suspects, wanted in connection with a series of attacks by the militant group.

The Spanish government has hailed their arrest in a joint Franco-Spanish operation in Pau.

“I want to congratulate the Spanish and French security forces for this latest anti-terrorist operation which underlines the fundamental character of co-operation in the fight against terrorism,” said Spanish Deputy Prime Minister
María Teresa Fernández de la Vega. She added that it: “has put, and will continue to put in the future, terrorists where they should be – before justice and behind bars.”

The two men and a women were apparently stopped after their behaviour in a fast-food restaurant aroused the suspicions of a police officer.

Some 400 ETA suspects have been arrested by French and Spanish police over the last two years.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Basque country, France