Basque Country
Resolution on the Basque Country
Whereas
The armed organisation Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (E.T.A.) declared in September, 1998 "unilateral, indefinite and unconditional" cease-fire which led for the first time ever to the elections in the Basque Country being held on 25th October last without the fear and constraints of terrorism. The cease-fire was later joined by the armed organisation Iparretarrak.
The newly elected Basque Parliament, the Basque authorities and the Spanish Government have a delicate and important task ahead to make the subsequent peace process a viable solution for the problem of violence originated in the Basque conflict.
The Liberal International Congress
Expresses its respect and solidarity to all victims of terrorist violence, including both those injured or killed by ETA and Iparretarrak and those equally damaged by the illegal counter-terrorist and paramilitary forces act under the auspices by the Spanish Government in the 70s and 80s.
Calls upon E.T.A. and Iparretarrak to declare a final cease-fire, to dismantle their armed organisations and to fully and truly adopt political participation as the only admissible way to achieve their goals.
Expresses its satisfaction at the political will, the sensitive approach and the flexibility and generosity shown by the Basque authorities and parliament and by the Spanish Government towards the achievement of a final peace in the Basque Country, in the light of the experiences resulting from the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Calls upon the Spanish Government to set no obstacles to the democratic will of the Basque society as freely expressed in elections and referenda, and to be flexible towards any constitutional interpretation or change that might be necessary in order to build a new and lasting relationship between the Basque people and the Spanish state.