Euskal Herria is going through difficult times but at the same time hopeful ones

We are at a political crossroads in which hope is represented by majority sectors of our people that work and struggle to regain our right to have a voice and to make decisions.

On the other hand, the desire for democracy, peace and self-determination is answered by the French and Spanish States with repression, insult and humiliation. The symbols of our identity (language, culture, institutions and the economy) are being savagely attacked by both States.

The situation being so, it is the responsibility of all political and social groups as well as trade unions to take steps forward in the direction desired and demanded by the majority of citizens.

What is at play here is not the structural model or shade that our nation should take. Our nation is at stake here. Our very existence is what is being put at risk, our language, our culture, our economic fabric, our presence in Europe.

It is up to us, nationalists and sectors that opt for and defend the right of self-determination, to unite forces in this situation.

The seriousness of this situation shouldn’t hide the great differences that exist among us, on economic matters, on the social model or other strategies, but now is not the time for looking for differences. This should be placed to one side for the moment to challenge the present situation.

This is the reason that we propose a single candidate for the upcoming Spanish elections. We have to leave aside divisions and disagreements and put our strengths together to face up to a process that will ensure a stable and lasting peace based on our right to freely and democratically decide our future.

A few weeks ago we solemnly proposed, in the Antaitasuna hall in Iruñea, that the left wing nationalist movement offer its hand to all those trade unions bodies or political or social agents, without exception, that want to begin a dialogue process to overcome the present political situation.

The proposal being made today is in the same line, towards building the instruments and making collective commitments that will lead us towards the definitive solution of the conflict.

The Basque people ought to get back the key to our house. This initiative is a good opportunity. We believe, in all sincerity, that the moment has arrived to act with courage and political honesty. What has been done up to now isn’t enough, we have to do more.

The moment has arrived to firmly and outspokenly say that us Basques aren’t part of Spanish territory. We are a nation and we have the right to both our internal and our external relations.

The upcoming Spanish elections gives us the opportunity to advance in that direction. We are sure, additionally, that the consolidation of this initiative will bring us towards peace and democracy.

The left-wing nationalist movement believes that sufficient conditions exist at present to take this step. Political and social agents, as well as the trade unions, cannot turn their backs on a demand that is supported by the majority of people in this nation.

We are facing an incomparable opportunity and occasion to win this definitive battle with the Spanish State and to set up a scenario of peace and freedom for Euskal Herria. It would be incomprehensible to let this occasion pass.

As a consequence, we are making a call to all nationalist and democratic sectors to support this proposal.

PROPOSAL

Nominate a single joint candidate among all forces in favour of the right of self-determination to go forward for the Spanish elections.

This candidate will be the national voice of the Basque people in relations with the Spanish State.

The objective of this candidate would be to represent Euskal Herria, open up a negotiation process with the Spanish State so that the right to self determination of our people be respected.