ETA is still a thorn in the Spanish authorities side

Multiple bombs exploded across Spain injuring five people in attacks claimed by the Basque separatist group &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2002/06/27/31246_.html ' target=_blank>ETA, days after another series of blasts in Madrid in a reminder that the militant group is still a thorn in the side of authorities.

The seven blasts, on the holiday celebrating the 1978 return of democracy in Spain, occurred after anonymous callers rang up a &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/world/2001/05/15/5228.html ' target=_blank>Basque newspaper warning of the impending explosions, wrote the Turkish Press.

It marked the second wave of attacks in three days, showing ETA was still capable of high-profile attacks despite more than 100 arrests this year including the capture of the group's leader in France two months ago.

Analysts interpret the weak potency of the bombs and the warning calls as ETA's message that it is still standing and wants to negotiate, although talks have been rejected by Spain's mainstream parties as a capitulation to terrorists.

ETA-watchers also say the group apparently has decided not to risk even further public backlash by killing more people in the wake of the March 11 train bombings in Madrid, carried out by Islamic militants, when 191 people died, informs Reuters.