The Spanish government has reduced by two-thirds the prison sentences imposed on two former ministers, who took part in an illegal semi-official campaign against the Basque separatist group, ETA.

The two -- the Interior Minister, Jose Barrionuevo, and his deputy, Rafael Vera, in the previous Socialist government -- were among a gang who kidnapped a Basque businessman in 1983, mistakenly believing him to be a member of ETA.

The BBC Madrid Correspondent says it was part of a wider campaign also involving police and local government officials.

The Socialist Party wants the two freed immediately.

But Basque nationalists say all prisoners -- including hundreds of jailed ETA members -- should be treated equally.