Basque separatist parties blocked

The Spanish government has announced it will not permit the two Basque pro-independence parties, ANV (Acción Nacionalista Vasca) and PCTV (Partido Comunista de las Tierras Vascas) to present candidates for the general elections set for March 9. The process is set to begin on January 31, when Judge Baltasar Garzón will formally request the suspension of activities by ANV and PCTV, which is expected to lead to the exclusion of the two parties in upcoming elections. (Full story in printed edition).