"The Basque separatist group Eta says it has called a "definitive cessation" to its campaign of bombings and shootings. The declaration, if followed through, would bring an end to Eta's campaign of violence, which has lasted more than 40 years and killed more than 800 people.
Spain's PM said the move was "a victory for democracy, law and reason". Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said after 40 years of bomb attacks and assassinations, Spain was now experiencing "legitimate satisfaction" at the victory over terror. He said that terror should never have happened and must never return.
Analysts say Eta has been badly weakened by a security crackdown in recent years. The declaration follows a conference this week in the Basque Country, attended by international statesmen including former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and protagonists in the Northern Ireland peace process. They called on Eta to lay down its arms.
In its statement, Eta said "a new political age is opening" in the Basque Country.
"We face a historic opportunity to obtain a just and democratic solution to the age-old political conflict," it said. "Eta has decided on the definitive cessation of its armed activity. Eta makes a call to the governments of Spain and France to open a process of direct dialogue which has as its aim the resolution of the consequences of the conflict and thus the conclusion of the armed conflict. With this historic declaration, Eta demonstrates its clear, firm and definitive purpose."
The announcement is the latest step in what Eta claims is a transition to peaceful methods. Spain's Socialist government has continued to insist that it will not negotiate on demands for Basque self-determination until Eta disbands."
This news explain an incredible success. ETA finally have said goodbye at their armed campaign. It's a great news for Spain and also for all the world. I'm so glad with this advertisement and I hope ETA never come back. All we have to try is to live in a peaceful world. I understand that basque people are annoyed: catalans too. But in my opinion, the violent acts are not the solutions. What can we do? I don't know.... we have to stand up for our rights and try to live in a better Spain, and if they don't let us we have to fight. But not killing innocent people, not as ETA.
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