SCEPTICAL OF ALLEGED BRETON- IRISH TERROR LINKS
The Celtic league is extremely sceptical about news reports from
France linking a number of Bretons to the so-called Real IRA.
Yesterday a number of people were arrested in Normandy and in Brittany
and there was also reportedly a 'haul of arms'.
However, within 24 hours it is already revealed that one of those
detained has been released and we need not remind visitors to the
Celtic News pages about the record of the French government when it
comes to sustaining allegations of links between Breton nationalists
and terrorism.
Six Bretons remain in jail after four years with the French State
still incapable of bringing forward credible evidence to progress
a case to trial. At the time of the earlier detentions there was a
similar media frenzy and allegations of terrorist links.
It should also be remembered that periodic assertions of terror links
between the Celtic countries are made but very little evidence of
substance is ever produced.
On the other hand the tangible and strengthening links of constitutional
nationalists across the Celtic World receive very little column inches
in the London and Paris media.
We would reiterate that healthy scepticism is the best response to
these latest allegations of a 'terror links'. If and when the French
Courts are able to sustain a credible case against Breton nationalists
then we should think again, but given the record of the French criminal
justice system we will be waiting a long time!
Bernard Moffatt
Secretary General
05/11/03
The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries of the
western British Isles and Brittany. It works to promote cooperation
between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political,
cultural and environmental matters. It targets human rights abuse
and monitors all military activity within these areas
TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609
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