Chavez defends ETA suspects wanted in Spain
The Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela -- President Hugo Chavez on Monday defended a group
of Basque separatists who arrived in Venezuela years ago, saying he is
certain they aren't involved in terrorism.
A Spanish judge is seeking the arrest of six members of the Basque
separatist group ETA and six Colombian rebels for a variety of alleged
crimes, saying many of them are likely in Venezuela or Cuba.
Chavez noted several ETA members were allowed to come to Venezuela under
a 1989 with Spain's government after peace talks with the separatist
group broke down.
"They're Venezuelans now. They were married here, had children and even
grandchildren, and we're sure they aren't participating in any terrorist
activity," Chavez said.
Tensions have risen between the two countries since Spanish Judge Eloy
Velasco announced an investigation turned up evidence that Chavez's
government facilitated collaboration between ETA and the Revolutionary
Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Both groups are classified as
terrorist organizations by the European Union and the United States.
Chavez has denied any links and said the accusations are false.
The socialist leader said Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez
Zapatero is under pressure from right-wing politicians and the press. He
warned that "if they let themselves be taken by those pressures and they
disrespect us in some way, well that would harm relations again like
when the king told me to shut up."
Spain and Venezuelan managed to smooth over a 2007 rift after King Juan
Carlos told Chavez "why don't you shut up?" during a summit. The comment
came after the Venezuelan leader repeatedly criticized former Spanish
Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar.
Chavez said if Spain puts relations in danger, "it would be highly
regrettable - all the investments Spain has in Venezuela - oil, gas.
Spain would be the one that would come out losing."
The ETA suspects wanted by the Spanish judge include Arturo Cubillas
Fontan, who is accused of playing a key role in ETA-FARC cooperation in
Venezuela. Chavez did not mention Cubillas, who previously held a post
in Venezuela's agriculture ministry.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/15/1531038/chavez-defends-eta-suspects-wanted.html
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