While it may be a move aimed at disguising the organization’s weakness, the armed Basque separatist group ETA has declared a cease-fire with the Spanish government and said it wants to pursue a “democratic solution to the conflict.”

Government officials in Madrid reacted cautiously to the development, however, with one calling it “ambiguous” and “insufficient.” –JCL

The BBC:

Armed Basque separatist group Eta says it will not “carry out armed actions” in its campaign for independence.

In a video obtained exclusively by the BBC, the group said it took the decision several months ago “to put in motion a democratic process”.

The Basque interior minister called the statement “insufficient”. Madrid has previously insisted that Eta renounce violence and disarm before any talks.

Read more

 WAIT BEFORE YOU GO...

This year, the ground feels uncertain — facts are buried and those in power are working to keep them hidden. Now more than ever, independent journalism must go beneath the surface.

At Truthdig, we don’t just report what's happening — we investigate how and why. We follow the threads others leave behind and uncover the forces shaping our future.

Your tax-deductible donation fuels journalism that asks harder questions and digs where others won’t.

Don’t settle for surface-level coverage.

Unearth what matters. Help dig deeper.

Donate now.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG