ETA begins to put arms beyond use – 'Very significant step,' says Gerry Adams

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

'Confidence building measures (which were an important part of the Irish Peace Process) can assist in this. In this context, the release of Arnaldo Otegi, Secretary General of SORTU, would be an important step'

THE move by Basque guerrilla movement ETA to begin the process of putting arms beyond use has been welcomed in Belfast by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD as “good news from the Basque Country”.

The Sinn Féin leader tweeted:

“Spanish Government needs to build on this opportunity. Very significant step forward.”

The BBC reported at lunchtime today:

“The International Verification Commission, in the Basque city of Bilbao, says a small part of the ETA arsenal is now under seal.

“The Spanish Government has refused to negotiate with ETA, which declared an end to its armed campaign in 2011.

“The BBC has received exclusive video footage, recorded by ETA at a secret location. It shows two masked ETA members, dressed in black, displaying what is believed to be a small part of the group’s weapons arsenal.

“Two of the international verifiers check an inventory before signing it. They say these guns and explosives have now been put under seal and beyond use and call it a hugely important first step, the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James Robbins reports.

“The video was handed to the BBC by an intermediary acting with the approval of the Amsterdam-based International Verification Commission, which is trying to build on ETA’s 2011 pledge to cease all armed activity.”

Gerry Adams said later in a statement:

“I want to commend the historic initiative by ETA to unilaterally put a significant amount of its armed materials beyond operational use as a first step toward complete disarmament. This is a vitally important decision and a significant advance in the Basque Peace Process.

“I am convinced that they are serious about peace and that this is another indication of their commitment to peaceful and democratic politics.

“I also want to commend the work of the Verification Committee (the International Commission of Verification of Ceasefire in the Basque County), which has overseen this important initiative by ETA.

“This is a good news story for the Basque Peace Process which has sought to match the success of the Irish Peace Process.

“Since before the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, Sinn Féin has been involved in assisting the building of a peace process in the Basque country. The Irish Peace Process is seen by many as a model, an example, of what can be achieved if there is political will.

“There is overwhelming support within Basque society for a resolution of the conflict.

“There is an onus on the Spanish and French governments to respond positively to the announcement by the Verification Committee.

“Peace processes need constant attention and encouragement, and the active and positive participation of all sides. The Spanish and French governments have a key role to play in promoting a process of dialogue that can advance the goal of a just and lasting peace in the Basque Country. That means responding in a positive way.

“Confidence building measures (which were an important part of the Irish Peace Process) can assist in this. In this context, the release of Arnaldo Otegi, Secretary General of SORTU , would be an important step.

• Arnaldo Otegi with Gerry Adams

“The Spanish and French governments should also end the policy of dispersion, an arbitrary measure applied to Basque prisoners, and transfer prisoners to prisons closer to their families. Seriously-ill prisoners who need treatment should also be released under existing legislation.

“These and other related measures would make a real difference in strengthening the peace process and facilitate progress toward demilitarisation and national reconciliation.”