ETA declares permanent ceasefire

From newspaper GARA English edition:

ETA has decided to declare a ceasefire that is to become operative as of this Friday and will be permanent. The organisation announced the news in a message sent to the on-line edition of the Basque newspaper GARA.

ETA says the decision aims to press forward with the democratic process in the Basque Country in order to build a new framework in which Euskal Herria's rights as a country will be recognised, and ensure that it is possible in the future to develop all the political options.

In the communiqué, ETA (Basque Country and Freedom) states: "[As a result of this process] Basque citizens ought to have a voice and be able to decide on their future". It also observes that the states of Spain and France "should acknowledge the results of this democratic process, without any limitations".

Addressing all organisations, it asks that they respond "responsibly and consistently to this move by ETA" and urges Spanish and French authorities to respond positively.

The armed organisation furthermore urges the citizens of Euskal Herria to "involve themselves in this process and fight for our rights as a people".

ETA also declared an indefinite ceasefire in 1998, starting a dialogue with the conservative government of Jose Maria Aznar. But talks broke down in November 1999 and the following year Eta embarked on a renewed bombing campaign. Let's see what happens this time...

For more information in English: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4832672.stm ,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETA

K.