Spain rewards Sarkozy for help in fighting Eta armed group
The Spanish government is to award one of its most prestigious awards to French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his cooperation in the fight against armed separatist group, Eta.
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Eta is listed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the United States.
Government spokesman Jose Blanco said the Order of the Golden Fleece recognises Sarkozy’s “cooperation and involvement in the fight against terrorism”.
The award dates from 1430 and is awarded by Spain’s monarch, currently King Juan Carlos.
Last month, Eta renounced its armed campaign to create an independent Basque homeland straddling the Pyrenees in northern Spain and southern France after being weakened by a wave of arrests in both countries.
On 10 November, the group said it would further disarm, but it wants the liberation of its prisoners.
Four decades of violence by the group has claimed 829 lives.
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