Spain to begin Eta peace talks

Spain’s prime minister was appearing before parliament today to inform MPs about his plans to start formal peace negotiations with the Basque separatist group Eta, following a permanent cease-fire reached with the group in March.

Prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero had promised to address Congress about the historic talks before MPs adjourn for a long summer holiday following today’s session.

Popular Party MP Eduardo Zaplana confirmed Zapatero would speak about the peace talks, and said the government “has not asked for our support”.