France, Aug. 6 -- French anti-terror prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation after armed members of a Corsican separatist group appeared masked at a press conference to reject the island's proposed autonomy deal, and threaten people moving there from mainland France.

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office said on Thursday that the investigation concerned suspected conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, as well as the acquisition, possession and transport of Category A and B weapons, ammunition or weapon components in connection with a terrorist enterprise.

The press conference held by the Corsican National Liberation Front - Union of Combatants (FLNC-UC) was revealed on Wednesday evening by the regional newspaper Cors...