ETA announces the ceasefire

The Basque daily Gara published on its website, at local time 12:00, a statement of the terrorist organization ETA, which announced that the ceasefire ‘permanent and pervasive.’

The announcement was communicated through a video posted on the website of the newspaper Gara, where there are three people with face masks, one of three by reading the press in Spanish, English and Euskera.

ETA has decided to declare a permanent ceasefire and in general, which can be verified by the international community,’ reads the organization.

ETA representatives have stated that it is a strong commitment from the organization for a final settlement process and the end of armed confrontation.

‘It’s time to act with historic responsibility.

ETA appeals to the authorities of Spain and France to renounce forever at the repressive measures and the denying of the Basque state, ‘writes the release.

ETA claims that the solution to resolve the political conflict involves a democratic process which will have as main reference the Basque people’s will and the tools to be used will be the dialogue and negotiation.

ETA representatives point out, however, that the organization will not give in its effort and struggle to support and finalize the democratic process until it reaches a truly democratic situation in the Basque country.

A management representative of the Socialist Party (PSOE), ruling now, said he expected the confirmation supported by facts and without the conditions of the decision ETA communicated.

Monday’s announcement has been expected for several months by the authorities, as well as left-wing parties, nationalist, in the region (Izquierda abertzale), which wants to enter the race for local and regional elections of May 22.

This would be possible only if ETA renounces definitively at the use of violence.

The government wants ETA’s dissolution

The only statement that the government is awaiting for is the one regarding the dissolution of ETA, said Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, the Deputy Minister of Interior.

He said on Monday that ETA has not ceased to exist, on the contrary, it has the same claims as always, with the same arrogance, the same language and the same scenery.

Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba made reference to the formula used by ETA communique on permanent cease-fire under international supervision.

This supervision should not be international, but be carried out by state security forces, said Minister Rubalcaba.

"This is not the news that we were expecting,’ the deputy pointed out in Madrid in a brief press statement made by the government.

Translated by: Denisse-Meda Bucura and Andreea Velicu
MA Students, MTTLC, University of Bucharest