26 November 2001

U.S. Condemns Murder of Police Officers in Beasain, Spain

The United States has denounced those responsible for the murder of two police officers in Beasain, Spain, November 23, expressing condolences to the victims' families and support for efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Following is the text of the U.S. statement by State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher:

The United States strongly condemns and denounces those responsible for the murder of two police officers in Spain on November 23. The two officers were directing traffic in the town of Beasain when they were shot by two assailants.

We understand that Spanish authorities suspect this attack to be the work of the terrorist group ETA. We support the Spanish government's efforts to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

The people of Spain, including the majority of Spain's Basque populace, have clearly demonstrated that Spaniards have no tolerance for terrorist acts perpetrated by ETA.

The United States extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the slain officers and to the people of Spain.