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ETA May Drop ArmsPosted on Feb 21, 2010
In a potentially historic development for Spain, the political wing of the ETA—the Basque separatist group—has announced it will call for the organization to lay down its arms after 40 years. Leaders of the wing are urging the organization, which has been in decline, to focus on bringing the issue of separatism back to the center of Basque politics. The courts have routinely banned most of the political parties that call for Basque separatism, given their link to armed struggle. Many in Spain’s Basque area, in the north of the country near the French border, believe the Basque homeland should be given autonomy from Spanish rule. —JCL
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By rico, suave, February 22, 2010 at 3:29 pm Link to this comment
Am toooootally relaxed. Looking forward to the back-and-forth!
Report thisBy gerard, February 22, 2010 at 2:54 pm Link to this comment
But it was not “inadvertent” is all I wanted to let you know. Relax.
Report thisBy rico, suave, February 22, 2010 at 1:16 pm Link to this comment
Gerard:
Lighten up!!
You inadvertently posted your first name, that’s all. Sheeesh.
Report thisBy gerard, February 22, 2010 at 12:58 pm Link to this comment
ridler: Means what?
Report thisBy rico, suave, February 22, 2010 at 9:29 am Link to this comment
too late jean, you’ve been outed!
Report thisBy guacamaya, February 22, 2010 at 1:40 am Link to this comment
Spanish, French and Portuguese police have had enormous successes during the past months and arrested dozens of top ETA members. They also seized huge numbers of stored arms, cash and bomb making material. I see this as another ETA tactic and will believe it when I see it working in a few years time.
Report thisBy gerard, February 21, 2010 at 5:54 pm Link to this comment
Please put up the comment I sent about six hours ago under my unregistered name. Thanks.
Report thisBy jean Gerard, February 21, 2010 at 9:59 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Guardian articles aren’t usually this vague. There’s not enough history here to
Report thisgive us ignoramuses over here a real clue to what it’s been all about for 40 years
or so. Yet either side taking the initiative toward settlement must be making a
significant move for some reason. “Separatism” doesn’t quite get it as an
explanation. “Terrorists” making a peaceful gesture is unusual as well. Please. A
bit more before soliciting comments? Or should I know already?h