This file is a mirror of EUSKAL HERRIA JOURNAL by Basque Red Net.

Baiona, Euskal Herria - August 27, 1999

The Basque pro-independence and socialism organization Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA, Basque Homeland and Freedom) said on Thursday talks with the Spanish government have been suspended. ETA reaffirmed its 11-month-old unilateral ceasefire and left the door open to future contacts.

ETA's latest communique, published by the Basque daily Gara, came just one day after Spanish president Jose Maria Aznar blamed the Basque organization for cancelling a second meeting with government contacts.

"The responsibility is with the Spanish government which has completely lacked discretion about the contacts held," says ETA, who reminded this was not the first time the government tried to use the contacts to gain time or for a new crackdown.

ETA claimed the ruling government of the right-wing Popular Party (PP) used the first meeting in May to manipulate public opinion for political gains in the 13-June regional and municipal elections in the state. According to ETA, Madrid has no will to negotiate a peaceful settlement of its conflict with the Basque Country and wants to use its latest move, blaming ETA for the current impasse, for further political gains ahead of general elections due by spring 2000.

Despite all that, ETA made clear they would be willing to resume talks if the government changes its stance.

"ETA wants to state its unmistakable desire to overcome the armed conflict," the Basque pro-independence and socialism organization said. "ETA will continue to look for solutions which guarantee direct and reliable communication" with the government.

Aznar offered late last year to hold direct contacts with ETA claiming it wants to determine whether the Basque organization wanted to end the armed conflict. But the government refuses to acknowledge the Basque conflict is political, insisting in a "prisoners-for-peace" solution and holding its Basque political prisoners hostages despite demands from Basque society to have them repatriated to jails in the Basque region.

ETA reaffirmed it held contacts with the government because it wants to determine whether Madrid is willing to recognize Basque self-determination, and to discuss its peace proposal -- the Democratic Alternative. Thus, ETA accepted a first meeting with a Spanish delegation representing the government to "exchange opinions."

Tensions have been on the rise in recent weeks with more street protests and sabotage against police and politicians in the Basque region -- particularly by Basque youths frustrated by the government's refusal to transfer the Basque prisoners to jails near their homes.