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News, November 2003New Basque Statute approved today by Basque government25 October. The new Statute, prepared by the Basque government under the so called Ibarretxe Plan, will now be put to the Basque parliament for debate, following which, if approved, a referendum will be held in the region. It is exactly 24 years since the approval of the existing Statute which outlines the ground rules for regional government and relations with the central government of Spain. The'constitutionalist' opponents of this move are already planning the steps they will take, if necessary, to block its path to legality. Most Spaniards believe that any such move at this time would just underline how right ETA has been to continue its reign of terror with the aim of achieving regional independence. One of the main issues is the recognition of a 'free association' with Spain, instead of the current status as an integral part of Spain. Even if the Basque parliament should approve the new Statute and it be ratified by the regional electorate, it would need the assent of the Spanish Congress and Senate to become effective in a peaceful way. As things stand, this is an impossibility. If the worst comes to the worst, the situation could almost lead to a virtual civil war, such is the intransigence of both sides, although no one wants more violence. Your prayer is therefore especially requested that the opposing groups come to a settlement quickly and peacefully. More about the background to the current power struggle: http://www.prayforspain.com/comment/index3.html A recent statement by the Basque government can be read at: http://www.euskadi.net/infogv/debate_pol_gen_26092003_i.htm |