Spain bans radical Basque party accused of being front for Eta

Spain's supreme Court banned the radical Basque nationalist party Batasuna yesterday, arguing that it was the front organisation for Eta armed separatists. This is the first such ban since the death of the dictator Franco in 1975.

The decision, though expected, is likely to intensify tension in the Basque region ahead of local elections in May.

The 16 judges took four days to reach their unanimous verdict, which was not expected until April. Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar said he was "happy and very satisfied".

Mr Aznar has wanted to ban Batasuna since he came to power seven years ago. Last year, his right-wing government pushed a political parties law through parliament, on whose provisions the Supreme Court based its judgment.

The government believes Batasuna is an important part of Eta's political network of armed militants, fundraising and recruitment operations. "Terrorists won't be able to set the rules of the game, either in Spain or outside," Mr Aznar said.

The ban becomes effective when the party has been formally notified. It means Batasuna, which usually wins about 12 per cent of the Basque vote and controls many town halls, will not be able to stand for election.

Batasuna is already suspended, following a separate action by Judge Baltasar Garzon who closed down the party's offices and seized its bank accounts last summer. He used the existing penal code to investigate the party's economic operations and links with street violence, which he said showed Eta control.

The Basque Nationalist Party, which governs the region, says that Batasuna must form part of any dialogue to end the conflict between Eta and the Spanish leadership.