Euskadi Ta Askatasuna anounces end or armed activity

[DDR]

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/20/world/europe/spain-eta/index.html?iref=allsearch

Madrid (CNN) -- The Basque separatist group ETA announced Thursday a "definitive cessation of its armed activity," according to an ETA statement published on the website of Gara, a newspaper that the group has used to convey messages in the past.

Listed as a terrorist organization by Spain, the United States and the European Union, ETA is blamed for more than 800 deaths in its long fight for an independent Basque state that it wants carved out of a section of northern Spain and southwestern France.

Thursday's announcement follows a recent push for the group to abandon violence permanently. That push was led by international figures who include Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams of Northern Ireland and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

In its statement, ETA called of "enormous significance" a one-day meeting held Monday in which Adams, Annan and other leaders met in San Sebastian, a principal Basque city, and called for peace.

After that conference -- which did not include representatives from the Spanish government, the Basque regional government or the main opposition party in Spain, the Popular Party -- former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern read a statement calling for ETA to issue a declaration like it made on Thursday.

The leaders also called on the Spanish and French governments to welcome it and "agree to talks exclusively to deal with the consequences of the conflict."
Police have cracked down in recent years on ETA in Spain and France, leaving it operationally weak.

There have been numerous statements from the Basque group calling for talks or a peace process of some sort, but all falling short of declaring a definitive end to violence.

The Spanish government has said that since ETA has broken cease-fires in the past, only an authoritative statement that it is putting down its arms for good will do.

In its statement Thursday, the group outlined why now was the right time to make such a declaration.

"A new political time is emerging in the Basque Country," ETA said. "We have a historic opportunity to find a just and democratic solution for the centuries' old political conflict."

The group then added that "dialogue and agreement" should predominate "over violence and repression."

ETA urged the Spanish and French governments to conduct "direct dialogue" aimed at addressing outstanding issues, while calling upon fellow Basques to "commit" to such a process.

[DDR]

ETA's Declaration:

With this declaration, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna, the Basque socialist revolutionary organization for national liberation, wishes to give news of its decision:

ETA considers that the International Conference that has recently taken place in the Basque Country is an initiative of enormous significance. The agreed resolution includes all the elements for an integral solution of the conflict, and it has attained the support of a wide spectrum of the basque society and the international community.

A new political time is emerging in the Basque Country. We have an historical opportunity to find a just and democratic solution for the centuries old political conflict. Dialogue and agreement should outline the new cycle, over violence and repression. The recognition of the Basque Country and the respect for the will of the people should prevail over imposition.

This has not been an easy way. The cruelty of the fight has taken away the lives of many comrades. Many others are still suffering in prison and in the exile. For them our recognition and deepest tribute.

From now on the way is neither going to be easy. Facing the imposition that still exists, every step, every achievement, will be the result of the effort and fight of basque citizens. During these years the Basque Country has accumulated the necessary experience and strength to address this path and it also has the determination for doing it. It is time to look at the future with hope. It is also time to act with responsibility and courage.

Therefore, ETA has decided the definitive cease of its armed activity. ETA calls upon the Spanish and French governments to open a process of a direct dialogue with the aim of addressing the resolution of the consequences of the conflict and, thus, to overcome the armed confrontation. Thorough this historical declaration ETA shows its clear, solid and definitive commitment.

Lastly, ETA calls upon the basque society to commit with this process of solutions until we build a context of freedom and peace.

GORA EUSKAL HERRIA ASKATUTA! GORA EUSKAL HERRIA SOZIALISTA! JO TA KE INDEPENDENTZIA ETA SOZIALISMOA LORTU ARTE!

Basque Country, 20th october 2011

Euskadi Ta Askatasuna E.T.A.

[Smyg]

Sad, if correct. I must admit, I've always had a bit of a fetish for armed insurgents and national liberation movements.

[Seth]

I don't think that insurgency was really productive anymore anyway.

[rundontwalk]

They'll probably have far more success as a purely political organization (think: Plaid Cymru, or something).

[Distant Relatives]

ETA can make a bigger stand if they take it to the streets without hurting innocent people.

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

Never mind the end of the armed struggle, the language of the statement ("an historical opportunity to find a just and democratic solution") is one of reformism.

[lots of laughs]

Well this is a disapointing thread. I was hoping for somethign a bit more interesting. Perhaps discussing the role they played since forming in promoting a seperate state. Maybe a discussion of why nationalism is bankrupt...

[bcbm]

Sad, if correct.

yes, if only they could blow up a few more people


I must admit, I've always had a bit of a fetish for armed insurgents and national liberation movements.

clearly, how else could one support something with such an unbelievable track record of failure?

--


Never mind the end of the armed struggle, the language of the statement ("an historical opportunity to find a just and democratic solution") is one of reformism.

presumably they've seen how reformism has gotten their catalonian equivalents a lot of their demands and are adapting accordingly.

[Rooster]

Isn't the Basque region largely independent though inside of Spain? On the French side, does the French government still shun the Basque language?


They'll probably have far more success as a purely political organization (think: Plaid Cymru, or something).

But Plaid Cymru are largely ineffective (although, that might change if the SNP get their way). Wales is still a part of the United Kingdom.

[El Louton]

They'll probably have far more success as a purely political organization (think: Plaid Cymru, or something).

Plaid Cymru were revolutionary insurgents!?

[Smyg]

clearly, how else could one support something with such an unbelievable track record of failure?


Clearly. It's not like I approve of their methods, or find their results satisfying, I just approve of the concept. :lol:

[rundontwalk]

Isn't the Basque region largely independent though inside of Spain? On the French side, does the French government still shun the Basque language?



But Plaid Cymru are largely ineffective (although, that might change if the SNP get their way). Wales is still a part of the United Kingdom.
The Welsh nationalists have had some success though. I was thinking of the recent granting of full, independent law making abilities to the national assembly.

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

presumably they've seen how reformism has gotten their catalonian equivalents a lot of their demands and are adapting accordingly.
Do their Catalonian equivalents also claim to be a "socialist revolutionary organization"?

[rundontwalk]

Do their Catalonian equivalents also claim to be a "socialist revolutionary organization"?
Surely the primary objective would be acquiring a state first? Then they can agitate for socialism. Injecting revolutionary socialism into the discussion prior to statehood only serves to divide the populace in terms of support for secession. It'd be easier to make it a relatively non partisan, civic nationalist kind of thing at first.

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

Surely the primary objective would be acquiring a state first? Then they can agitate for socialism.
My belief is that a national liberation struggle can only succeed as part of the class struggle. You can't have a liberated nation if that nation is controlled by the bourgeoisie, domestic and foreign.

[rundontwalk]

I don't understand the need for national liberation in the context of the class struggle. Spanish workers as a whole are in need of emancipation, so what's the point of Basques seperating themselves from them if they both face the same problem?

If anything, communists should be promoting greater intergration.

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

I don't understand the need for national liberation in the context of the class struggle. Spanish workers as a whole are in need of emancipation, so what's the point of Basques seperating themselves from them if they both face the same problem? If anything, communists should be promoting greater intergration.
You're the one who said "Injecting revolutionary socialism into the discussion prior to statehood only serves to divide the populace in terms of support for secession." :confused:

Clarification of your point, please?

[rundontwalk]

You're the one who said "Injecting revolutionary socialism into the discussion prior to statehood only serves to divide the populace in terms of support for secession." :confused:

Clarification of your point, please?
I mean that if statehood is what they want there are some things they should and should not do that would make it easier on them. However, I don't personally think statehood should be supported in this case.

[Engel]

I've been to the Basque Country and it is nothing like the rest of Spain. They feel a distinct national identity and in that region the Basque flag is more common than the Spanish one. In all the towns & cities I visited: Irun, Hondarribia, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Gernika, there was a strong national sentiment and belief that the Basque country had been "annexed" by Spain. Unfortunately for them, it seems unlikely that independence will come through a democratic change. The population of Basque Country vs Spain as a whole leaves them with little political power, despite support from the other Spanish autonomous region of Cataluña. To be honest, the end of armed combat by the ETA was a long time coming. If the Basques really want independence though, they will have to fight for it.

[SexyJesus]

The Basque people will continue to be oppressed end of ETA or not.

[Buitraker]

The Basque people will continue to be oppressed end of ETA or not.
Yeah, but ETA ceasefire was necessary

We can fight in street, but not with guns

[EvilRedGuy]

According to Wikipedia ETA are violent terrorists which do nothing but oppress all workers, they are anti-communist, ultra-nationalist, fascistic, and advocate brutal violence and militarism similar to russian neo-fascists. Thats what i read on its article.

Why would anyone on the left support that? :thumbdown:

[Smyg]

I hope you have other sources than Wikipedia, but eh.

[EvilRedGuy]

I have a feeling they are brutal right-wing idiots, why would events mentioned there be OVERLY distorted on Wikipedia though, its not Fox News anyway.

They attacked several unions, people (workers) and the Maoist party (according to wikipedia, but as i said, there is no reason it would be fake)

[Sasha]

You must have read a different Wikipedia then I just did, while I disagree vehemently with both eta's goals and tactics I have no clue where the hello you found that "anti-communist, neo-fascist" bullshit

[Prometeo liberado]

The Basque are europes oldest culture and language. The domination by the spanish is fairly new in the context of european history. After 9/11 being tagged as a terrorist organization brought more heat than they could bare. It happened to the IRA and has happened to ETA. Funds dry up and those who helped you before are now scared shitless. In the states NORAID couldn't get enough donations, the office workers were afraid to send money to Ireland. Before 9/11 these things were not nearly as bad.