The alleged training of ETA members in Venezuela stirs controversy (Photo: AP)

Spain's National Court Judge Eloy Velasco, who is investigating the alleged links between Basque separatist group ETA and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a guerrilla group, thinks that both armed organizations developed and produced weapons in Venezuela, as reported by Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

Judge Velasco, who instructed the Spanish police to travel to Colombia to interrogate nine former FARC members who said that they met with ETA members in camps established in Venezuelan territory, has also ordered Spanish security forces to prepare an expert report about the activities of ETA and the Colombian guerrilla in the development of new weapons.

According to El Mundo, the investigation suggests that Basque separatist group ETA and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) shared information, mainly in Venezuela, on explosives and grenade launchers. The probe also suggests that part of the weapons were developed in Cuba, DPA reported.

The two rebel groups have used similar grenades and mortars. ETA calls these weapons "Jotake-Handia," while Colombian authorities call them "cylinder bombs."

The alleged training of ETA members in Venezuela, according to a testimony produced by two suspected members of the Basque separatist group, has stirred controversy in Spain.

Mariano Rajoy, the president of dissenting Spanish People's Party (PP), urged the government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to demand "explanations" from Chávez's government.

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas

Source: ElUniversal.com