Slovakian police name two arrested in connection with arms-running

The names of two of the three men who were arrested in Slovakia in connection

with arms-running on behalf of the Real IRA have been released.

The are both from the Cooley peninsula in Co Louth and have been named as Mr Declan Rafferty and Mr Mickey McDonald.

Both are both in their 40s. The third man, who has not yet been named, is believed to be from Northern Ireland.

The three men were detained by Slovakian authorities last Thursday night.

They have already appeared before a local court and they were remanded in

custody for up to 40 days.

They were held under warrants from British police under the UK Prevention of Terrorism Act.

They have been sought for extradition to the UK under four charges:

* Membership of a proscribed organisation;

* Fund-raising for the purpose of terrorism;

* Seeking to enter into arrangements for the purposes of terrorism;

* Conspiracy charges.

They could stand trial in either England or the North if they are extradited.