Spain's conservatives conceded defeat in general election

MADRID, Spain — Spain's opposition conservatives have conceded defeat in the country's general election.

Popular Party spokesman Pio Garcia Ecudero congratulated the ruling Socialist party, saying it appeared their victory was clear.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodrigue Zapatero's Socialist party won the election despite worries about a slumping economy, immigration and resurgent Basque militants.

The results appeared to be an endorsement of Zapatero's record, which include the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq and a drive to give more power to Spain's semiautonomous regions.