The charges were filed overnight against Aitor Elizaran Aguilar _ whom Spanish authorities describe as a co-leader of Basque group ETA's so-called political unit _ and Oihana San Vicente, the official said. The official was not authorized to be named because the investigation is ongoing.

The two were detained Monday in Carnac in the French Atlantic region of Brittany. Police found false identity papers and ammunition in the apartment they were renting.

ETA has killed more than 825 people since the late 1960s in its campaign for an independent Basque state in northern Spain and southwestern France. Its political unit liaises with political parties on separatist strategy.

The preliminary charges, including "criminal association with a terrorist enterprise" and forged documents, give magistrates time to further investigate before determining whether to send the case to trial.