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News, July, 2006ETA talks begin.3rd July. Last week President Zapatero announced that the 'Permanent Ceasefire' announced by ETA in March has indeed proven to continue in place and that there are signs that ETA is really willing to hang up its arms and rejoin the democratic process in order to achieve its aims. The presidential announcement was met by enthusiams by many, but the conservative opposition party, Partido Popular, together with the victims' association AVT, both claimed it was a sad day when terrorists would be invited to 'peace' talks when they should simply be expected to hang out the white flag of surrender. Right wing elements are not willing to forgive and forget. Amnesty International is also calling the government to be wary of an amnesty for convicted killers! 22nd March. Today ETA, using language similar to that used by the IRA before their final ceasefire, has announced a permenent ceasefire from Friday, 24th. Political leaders and commentators are cautious, but hopeful. The full statement can be read in English here. Or in Spanish here. Here is the statement in RTF form. |