After a year since the Lizarra-Garazi Declaration was signed on September 12th, 1998, we -political, labour and social organisations that endorsed this significant agreement for the history of our country- present this statement considering future.

The Lizarra-Garazi Declaration is a proposal for a political and democratic solution to a historical conflict of political origin and nature. In the last twelve months, certain political organisations -with great responsibilities regarding the resolution to the conflict- have set forth no alternative and have remained in a comfortable irresponsible situation, even denying the existance of the conflict itself.

Throughout this year, the Lizarra-Garazi Forum has gone on spreading the democratic contents of the Declaration, although still, there is much to be done, especially if we look to the future. Taking into account that the job of the Forum is to favour a peace process and a democratic settlement, we very clearly see that it is high time to start a new phase. Because the Basque peope demand, with no doubt, concrete and effective steps.

As can be read in the Declaration itself, all the different concepts regarding the roots and extension of the conflict centre on land unity, decision-makers and political sovereignty. These are, among others, the fundamental issues to resolve.

To resolve the conflict, we understand that all the agents involved must take part in the process, accepting dialogue and negotiation as the adequate instruments.

Some political parties and organisations have refused dialogue and attempt to sabotage the process, with the help of several mass-media.

Once the above mentioned ideas are clear, when looking to the future, we find it necessary:

* To go on with the political process, deepening our commitment in the process of socialisation and relations, and looking for a democratic platform.

* To defend and improve real dialogue and negotiation, and to support the contents of the Lizarra-Garazi Declaration in those forums of dialogue that are organised.

* To eliminate all the expressions of violence that are linked to the conflict and all the problems resulting from it, responding effectively, for example, to the situation of prisoners.

When accepting this commitment, we deem it necessary to underline, once again, that the main goal getting us together around the Lizarra-Garazi Declaration is achieving peace and searching for a solution to the Basque conflict, by safeguarding Basque people's right to decide their own future, so that the states involved respect Basque people's voice.

Although there are different political projects in our country, what unites us is our wish to find a solution based on the respect for the voice of the Basque People.

The only front that the Basque Country needs is the front of peace and democracy. Besides, the main obstacle in the way of the Lizarra-Garazi Declaration is idleness. In our modest opinion, confrontation must make way to dialogue and common action, and all of us must work for it. In spite of our differences and controversy, respecting plurality in the Basque society, we undertake to work as seriously and openly as required at this crucial moment.

Finally, we want to say that we are happy because the Basque people have brought about a reality of dreams and hope that was unthinkable only a year ago. We are convinced that, in the future, our country will continue the same path, and that dreams, and particularly people's commitment are the real safeguard of the process.

Foro de Lizarra-Garazi
DURANGO, 12 SEPTEMBER 1999