ETA calls for peace negotiations with Spain and France

THE violent Basque separatist group ETA yesterday called for peace negotiations with Spain and France, warning them not to miss a historic chance for peace and said its "permanent" ceasefire will go into effect just after midnight.

"It is time to make important decisions, moving from words to deeds," ETA said in a new statement handed out to Basque newspaper Gara.

The group urged the French and Spanish governments not to thwart the groundbreaking process launched by its decision to lay down arms after nearly four decades of bombings and shootings that have claimed more than 800 lives.