French police uncover 'Eta arms'

By Danny Wood
BBC News, Madrid

Police in France last month arrested three ETA suspects

French police have discovered weapons and explosives in a garage in the town of Biarritz, suspected of belonging to the Basque armed separatist group Eta.

The authorities say a presumed member of Eta hired the garage in February.

The police say they found 150 detonators, three pistols, up to 40kg (88 pounds) of explosives and two bombs ready for use.

Eta ended a 14-month ceasefire in June and there are fears in Spain that it is preparing for a strike.

"Preparing to strike"

The owner of the garage discovered the stash of weapons when he visited his property after hearing no word from his tenant following the expiry of the rental contract.

French police are still searching the premises for fingerprints that might identify the Eta suspect.

ETA suspended its bombing campaign in March 2006

The uncovering of this arms dump follows the recent detention in France of a number of Eta suspects.

In July the authorities arrested three presumed members of the armed Basque separatist group, together with over 100 kilos (220 pounds) of explosives.

The Spanish police say the men were about to carry out a bombing.

Since Eta announced the end of a 14-month ceasefire in June the Spanish authorities have expressed concerns that the armed separatists are preparing to strike.

Anti-terrorist police say Eta is weak, but still capable of mounting attacks.