Freed Basque leader Otegi to address historic Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Dublin

BASQUE LEADER ARNALDO OTEGI – released from a Spanish prison on 1 March after serving more than six years on political charges – will be a special guest speaker at this year’s Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Dublin on 22/23 April.

Making the announcement, Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney (pictured) said that Otegi's presence at the National Convention Centre allows Irish republicans to welcome his release from prison “and extend to his family and comrades our support and solidarity”.

Kearney, the driving force behind Sinn Féin's Uncomfortable Conversations initiative for dialogue for reconciliation, said that Otegi is not only a champion of the Basque struggle for independence but “a relentless champion of the Basque peace process”.

The Sinn Féin National Chairperson added:

“He has demonstrated huge vision and resolve in the face of intransigence by the Spanish Government, particularly during the last six years of his imprisonment.

“The opportunities created as a result of Arnaldo Otegi’s release should be welcomed by all people of good will who are committed to the development of the Basque peace process.”

He continued:

“Arnaldo Otegi has played a positive and constructive role in the development of that process. His leadership has helped shape the response of the Basque people to the opportunity it provides.

“The Spanish Government should now embrace the opportunity which exists to enhance the process of peace.

“It should discontinue its draconian and punitive actions, address the intolerable conditions in which many Basque prisoners are being held, end the policy of dispersion, release all prisoners with ill health, and prepare for the release of all political prisoners.

“Opening up meaningful negotiations and sustained dialogue is the only way forward for all the peoples of the Basque and Spanish states. This should commence without further delay.”