SCEPTICAL OF ALLEGED BRETON- IRISH TERROR LINKS

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

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 Internet site at http://www.manxman.co.imcleague/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/