| Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC August 26, 2002 Taken Question from August 26, 2002 Briefing Spanish Judicial Decision Banning Basque National Party
Question: Any comment on the actions taken against Batasuna, a Basque nationalist party, by a Spanish judge and the Spanish Parliament? Answer: The United States strongly supports Spain's efforts to fight ETA terrorism. As in any sovereign democracy, Spanish elected officials and judicial authorities have the legitimate right and responsibility to take action against terrorist organizations. It is our understanding that these action are not directed at curtailing legitimate political activity or free speech, but rather are based upon Batasuna's alleged links to the ETA terrorist group. |
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