French fear Basque campaign

ETA has killed six people in Spain this year

PARIS, France -- Security forces are concerned Basque separatists may be about to begin a campaign in France.

The warning comes as ETA continues a campaign in the Spanish Basque region in the run-up to local elections.

ETA has fought a long armed campaign in Spain but has largely refrained from launching attacks in France, although the country is used for training and as a logistics base.

One French security official said: "One has to remain optimistic, but it would be amazing if nothing happens here."

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Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar has also warned France. In a Spanish magazine article published last week he was quoted as saying: "If I were responsible for security in France, I would be redoubling my vigilance."

In the past Madrid repeatedly criticised Paris for not doing enough to crack down on the guerrillas, who regularly cross into France after bomb or shooting attacks in Spain.

Co-operation between the neighbouring police forces began improving at the start of the 1990s, with resolve on either side of the border stiffening again after ETA ended a 14-month ceasefire in December 1999 and resuming its armed struggle.

Since then ETA has claimed responsibility for 29 killings, including six this year.

Security sources believe around 500 ETA militants live in France and in recent months French police have arrested a string of high-profile suspects, including the group's alleged military and logistics chiefs.

French officials say the arrests have helped stir up resentment and that there is growing frustration among young French Basques.

Last October, militants from both countries descended on the French Basque capital, Bayonne, where they fought running battles with police as a rally in support of an independent homeland turned violent.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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The Basque Country
Spanish Interior Ministry
Association for Peace in the Basque Country

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