Strasbourg, 03/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - During a meeting of the European Parliament, President Pat Cox was questioned about funds received by the Batasuna Basque Party MEP, Koldo Gorostiaga. These funds cold have been used by the MEP to finance activities by the terrorist group ETA (see above). An internal investigation has revealed that at least EUR 58,000 out of EUR 200, 000 found in the boot of a car that was confiscated by the French legal authorities during an inquiry in the country, came from allocations to Member European Parliament in the form of administrative expenses and for his assistants. Claiming that this money has been sequestrated by the French authorities, Mr Gorostiaga indicated to EP administrative bodies that he was unable to give it back to the Parliament. The EP Bureau has declared that Mr Gorostiaga has until 15 September to give this money back, failing which, he will have all monies paid to him by the Parliament stopped. The internal inquiry is being carried out with the assistance of an external team of auditors for the recovery of the remaining EUR 142, 000. EUROPE would like to point out that the Parliamentary allowance paid out by the Spanish Congress is not affected by these measures.