Gerry Adams congratulates jailed Basque leader Arnaldo Otegi on Gernika Peace Prize

'You dared to dream and to chart a new peaceful and democratic path to Basque freedom and independence. For that you are now being rewarded'

Arnaldo, chara,

I congratulate you for being awarded the Gernika Peace Prize. It is a great privilege and honour for me to do so.

The peaceful conditions now being enjoyed by all the peoples of the Spanish and French states and the Basque Country result from the huge political discussion and political work over the past 10 years. This, in no small measure, is due to the political vision and work of leaders like yourself.

You have helped create conditions to ensure that all important political issues are addressed and dealt with by purely peaceful, political and democratic means.

The historic successes of Batasuna, Abertzaile Left, Amaiur and now Sortu is a vindication of your political work throughout the past 40 years.

Your recent election advances have changed the political landscape in the Basque Country and Spain.

You dared to dream and to chart a new peaceful and democratic path to Basque freedom and independence. For that you are now being rewarded.

I extend best wishes to all those committed to a peaceful and democratic process and to the building of a new relationship between the Basque Country and the Spanish and French states based on equality and the exercise of their right to self-determination without impediment or external interference.

Gerry Adams TD

Sinn Féin President