Adams urges Spainish govt to embrace Eta ceasefire

The Spanish Government was urged by Gerry Adams today to respond creatively and positively to Basque separatist group Eta’s ceasefire declaration.

The Sinn Fein president, whose party has been involved in efforts to promote a peace process between the Spanish and the Basques, claimed the ceasefire provided both sides with an historic opportunity to resolve their differences.

“Eta’s announcement provides all sides to the conflict with an opportunity of historic proportions,” the West Belfast MP said.

“Today’s announcement gives a considerable boost to the development of a conflict resolution process.

“It is incumbent on all sides to the conflict to grasp this opportunity, and to do everything in their power to make political progress a reality.”

Eta has been fighting for almost four decades for independence for the Basque region of northern Spain and south-west France.

The group has been accused of killing more than 800 people including Spanish police, judges and politicians.

However in a statement released to Basque media, the group announced a ceasefire would begin this Friday.

The statement said Eta wanted to start a new democratic process in the Basque country.

“At the end of this process, Basque citizens will be able to have a voice and the power to decide their future,” the organisation said.

“An end to the conflict is possible today and now. This is the hope and desire of Eta.”

Mr Adams today said Sinn Féin believed an inclusive process of dialogue in which the Spanish and the Basques were treated equally would be the key to political progress.

“All possibilities must be on the agenda for discussion,” he said.

“There is a particular onus and responsibility on the Spanish Government to respond positively and creatively.

“The Spanish Government should immediately intervene to stop the political trials against Batasuna leaders, including Arnaldo Otegi.”

The Sinn Féin president said his party had been engaged in talks with all of the Basque political parties including (Eta’s political wing) Batasuna.

He confirmed: “I have also written to the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero.

“Sinn Féin’s objective has been to promote conflict resolution and to assist in whatever way we can the development of a peace process. I welcome today’s news from the Basque Country.”