Chavez defends ETA suspects in Venezuela, says they aren’t involved in Basque terrorism

Chavez defends ETA suspects wanted in Spain

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.