Basque separatist group ETA indicated today it will press ahead with its goal of an independent country separate from Spain either by dialogue with the incoming socialist government or renewed attacks.

Prime Minister-elect Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero tonight rejected US Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry’s call for him to reconsider plans to withdraw Spanish troops from Iraq.

The incoming Socialist government intends sticking by its pledge to withdraw Spanish troops from Iraq by June 30, even though some world leaders have asked it to reconsider the decision, Prime Minister-elect Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said today.