51.  ETA killed two long-time socialist officials last month as part of its drive to carve out an independent homeland in the Basque country.

52.  Fernando Mugica was a former socialist party official in the Basque region.

53.  The Socialist party official at the talks said the deadlock would be temporary.

54.  Three Socialist officials charged with taking bribes in connection with public works contracts had recently resigned from ministerial posts.

55.  Monday afternoon, Socialist party officials were due to hold a meeting at which a new government list would be drawn up.

56.  Nevertheless, Garzon said accusations against Gonzalez and three other Socialist officials -- including two former ministers -- were credible.

57.  Socialist party officials are accused of omitting to include a record of funding from Filesa, a policy unit set up by the Socialists to finance the party.

58.  The latest allegations include charges of bribery and corruption tainting Socialist officials in Navarra in the north and the Socialist stronghold of Andalucia in the south of the country.