Gonzalez cleared on `dirty war'

Spain's state prosecutors told the Supreme Court there were no grounds to question Felipe Gonzalez, the former prime minister, about a 1980s "dirty war" against Basque separatist rebels, but that this could yet change.

Mr Gonzalez, who lost elections in March after 13 years in power, denies charges by former security chiefs and disgruntled fellow Socialists that he knew of the 1983-87 campaign of bombings, kidnappings, torture and murders by members of the security forces and hired gunmen.

The Supreme Court's second chamber, which deals with cases involving members of parliament, was due to decide shortly whether to call Mr Gonzalez. The senior prosecutor said there could be further action if new evidence emerged. Madrid - Reuter