ANAITASUNA POLITICAL STATEMENT
reproduces the Spanish text of the declaration of Basque Movement of National Liberation done public in the political meeting celebrated in the Anaitasuna, Iruñea-Pamplona, on Saturday, the 1st of November, 2003.

ANAITASUNA POLITICAL STATEMENT

For all those who want to objectively analyse the present political situation in Euskal Herria the situation can be summed up in two undeniable facts:

First, that the Spanish State refuses to recognise us as a nation and has opted for brutal repression (bannings, closures of newspapers, electoral farces, the systematic use of torture...). The French State, on the other hand, has increased its repression and rejects or scorns appeals made from Lapurdi, Zuberoa or Nafarroa Beherea. Both of them are intent on denying our nation a democratic scenario which it so badly needs; these intentions are more obvious everyday. At present both States only offer us impositions, repression, scornful behaviour and brute force. Their only force is the force of the State: that is the only alternative.

On the other hand, in our country we have begun an important political debate with the aim of setting the basis for a democratic and national future. Now when we hear talk of our political, economic, cultural or institutional future concepts like respect for the wishes of citizens and the importance of the choices and wishes of Euskal Herria are used.

This debate has spread through political spheres and some institutions and forum are reflecting it. That is, the National Forum for Debate set up recently, debates that will be held in the Gasteiz Parliament, the debate pushed by the Batera Platform, or the open debate among left-wing nationalist forces in Lapurdi, Xiberoa and Nafarroa Beherea. These show how alive political debate is in this country.

As a consequence of this we can say that while the majority of people here are constantly working and fighting to achieve a new political scenario both States are trying to avoid such changes.

Without a doubt what we are experiencing at the moment is fruit of the political process which began in 1998: a democratic process that is in need of new advances to contribute to its development and maturity.

Therefore, at this particularly important time the left nationalist movement would like to, above all else, reaffirm its commitment to acting with political responsibility and would like to extend this request to other political and social agents.

We are conscious of the fact that we are going through particularly painful and difficult times. We know that the repression is brutal and that all we are witnessing is provocative and irresponsible attitudes by some elements. How else can we interpret the way we are treated by the Ertzaintza?

How else should we read a situation where those who claim to be nationalists and progressive take advantage of the political apartheid that exists at present? In spite of all this, we really believe that, in the face of this new political opportunity that lies ahead of us, on top of sticking to our principles, we have to denounce the events taking place and offer a firm response. We need initiatives that show our talents and our desire for agreement. As a sign of our commitment to searching for a solution we would like to hold out a hand to politicians, trade unionists and social activists who are working towards the resolution of the political conflict and other basic problems in this country.

So, at the same time that the era of the framework of the Autonomy Statute is coming to an end a new era is beginning, which means going beyond mere resistance. The left-wing nationalist movement believes that it is necessary to unite the popular forces that aim to create a democratic framework. So in the future, apart from responding to the State and denouncing their provocative attitudes, we take on the commitment of offering positive and constructive proposals. We do this so that we are the driving force behind a democratic solution in our daily work and struggles.

Therefore, and assuming full responsibility, the left-wing nationalist movement wants to declare the following:

1. The end of the era of ‘autonomy’, and the debates that have begun in Euskal Herria show that the objective conditions are being created to achieve the resolution of the conflict.

2. We are at a crossroads. It would be a huge irresponsibility not to resolve the conflict and leave a new fraudulent situation as an inheritance for our children.

3. The resolution of the political conflict and the beginning of the search for the paths to be able to survive as a nation is a political necessity and a historical priority that has to be challenged collectively.

As a consequence, the left-wing nationalist movement wants to propose and publicly announce the following:

1. We make a formal appeal for negotiations to all political, trade union and social organisations that are interested in finding a solution to the political conflict.

2. The aforementioned negotiation process will inclusive and without preconditions.

3. It is our understanding that the objective of these negotiations should be the resolution of the conflict and the basic problems that are derived from this conflict.

4. The left-nationalist movement wants to underline that the concepts that are being presented and being debated in different political proposals may be important basis for political talks, constituting for the left nationalist movement the key to the solution of the conflict. So, concepts like Euskal Herria, seven Basque provinces, the right to self-determination, the international agreement on civil and political rights, referendum in a non-violent scenario, are all notions that we agree with and make a very solid basis on which to begin debate.

Our aim is to construct a process that through negotiations without exclusions nor preconditions we can design a plan amongst us all to resolve the conflict. We want to join in this dialogue, and do so in a constructive manner, conscious of the fact that nobody is a hundred percent right. Only in this manner can we advance along to path to agreement.

Iruñea, November 2003.