A solution based on the recognition to the Basque population of some universally accepted rights: the right to self-determination, and the territorial unity. ETA has officially sent the proposal to the Spanish government, who hasn't answered yet. Likewise, ETA addresses to the Basque society for this proposal to be discussed by political organizations, trade unions, social movements and by the whole of the society, because "the final word and decision must be taken by the Basque population".

• The "Democratic Alternative for the Basque Country", basic proposal of political negotiation arisen from the update of the "KAS Alternative" has two different sets of negotiation: one between ETA and the Spanish State, and the other one among Basque People, by means of an unbounded democratic process in which any of the options could be chosen.

• To achieve the recognition of the Basque Country, essential for this process to be really democratic, is the aim of the political negotiation between ETA and the Spanish State. The final decisions, however, will be taken by the Basque society with no possible delegation.

• This proposal of political negotiation put forward by ETA to overcome the present confrontation between the Basque Country and the Spanish State is a tool at the disposal of the Basque society.

• As new conditions and democratic means are given, ETA will adjust its activity to the new situation of the conflict without giving up its final political aims, that is the independence of the Basque Country and to fight for a society based on social justice.

• The armed struggle between the Basque Country and the Spanish State will be overcome as this proposal is agreed upon and developed.

ETA's Democratic Alternative for the Basque Country has two different frameworks for negotiations: one between ETA and the Spanish State; and another among all Basque citizens.

TO BE AGREED UPON BY ETA AND THE SPANISH STATE

Upon the Spanish State accepting the proposed plan to initiate a democratic process in the Basque Country, ETA will announce a cease fire.

• The right to self-determination is not a political position, but a democratic right that belongs to us as a people. Although, the decision of when, how and to what purpose that right is to be developed belongs to Basque citizens, the recognition of that right must be secured. It is essential that the Basque Country can decide its future with total freedom.

• The recognition of the Basque Country requires eliminating actual territorial division, accepting its unity, and lifting the institutional borders. How this unity will be defined and structured, is the supreme decision of the Basque Country.

• Limitations cannot be imposed upon the decisions voiced by the people. Therefore, the Spanish State must agree that it will respect the development of the democratic process and its results, whatever those results may be.

• The minimum condition to develop such a democratic process, is to allow all citizens to participate in it without any pressures. Therefore, it is essential to grant a general amnesty that makes possible the release of all prisoners, and the return of all refugees.

• Equally essential is reaching an agreement on measures which would prevent the Spanish Armed Forces from influencing this process.

• The democratic process towards Basque self-determination must have the participation of labor unions, associations, social movements, political parties, institutions, that is, all society, to define options, discussion, frameworks, and suitable agreements.

• Throughout this process, at least the following points will have to be solidified: the development of the right to self-determination (formulation, methodology, options, timetables...); the formulation and process of territorial unity; the relations among all Basque territories; the competencies of the new institutional organization that is going to be agreed upon, without any kind of limitations; plans for the teaching of the Basque language; the socio-economic model and plans; the demilitarization of the Basque Country (including the role of the Army and its withdrawal); and the composition and character of the police force; rights to education; democratic rights, etc.

Manifesto to the Basque Country