EU hails Peru's capture of Shining Path 'terror' leader

(BRUSSELS) - EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton hailed Monday the capture by Peruvian police of the leader of the Shining Path rebel group, listed by the bloc as a terrorist organisation.

Ashton "congratulates the Peruvian government for the capture of 'Comrade Artemio,' leader of the terrorist organisation Shining Path, one of the groups included on the EU list of terrorist organisations," her spokesman said in a statement.

The European Union's High Representative "is confident that his capture will contribute to the process of strengthening the stability, security and respect of human rights in Peru," he added.

Peruvian police said Monday they were preparing to question Florindo Eleuterio Flores, 47, after soldiers captured him in a remote jungle cabin suffering from a serious gunshot wound.

Prosecutors blame Artemio for at least 500 insurgent attacks, and say he is responsible for more than 50 deaths over the past five years.