23 September 1999 Edition
Maskey at historic Basque councillors congress
Sinn Féin Assembly member for West Belfast Alex Maskey attended the inaugural meeting of the Basque National Assembly of Municipal Councillors in Bilbao on Saturday, 18 September. They event brought together up to 2,000 councillors representing all of the nationalist political parties together, including the Basque Nationalist Party, Basque Solidarity and Herri Batasuna and all six provinces of the Basque Country, including those under Frence occupation.
The Assembly approved a number of motions for developing the national and international dimensions of the Basque nation and saw an unprecedented degree of nationalist co-operation.
Speaking afterwards, the Sinn Féin observer said: ``I am delighted and honoured to be here at such an historic gathering. This is the first national and democratic institution in modern Basque history. It represents the majority of Basque public and political opinion.''
Maskey said that it was ``also an important step towards resolving the conflict between the Spanish and French states and the Basque people''. The Assembly also provides an unprecedented opportunity to further develop the political process towards conflict resolution. In conclusion, the Assembly member said: ``As always, Sinn Féin wishes our friends and comrades in the Basque country well and hopes that the expectations and aspirations expressed during the councillors assembly will become a reality. Peace demands democracy and this event brings you closer to that day''.
The Assembly approved a number of motions for developing the national and international dimensions of the Basque nation and saw an unprecedented degree of nationalist co-operation.
Speaking afterwards, the Sinn Féin observer said: ``I am delighted and honoured to be here at such an historic gathering. This is the first national and democratic institution in modern Basque history. It represents the majority of Basque public and political opinion.''
Maskey said that it was ``also an important step towards resolving the conflict between the Spanish and French states and the Basque people''. The Assembly also provides an unprecedented opportunity to further develop the political process towards conflict resolution. In conclusion, the Assembly member said: ``As always, Sinn Féin wishes our friends and comrades in the Basque country well and hopes that the expectations and aspirations expressed during the councillors assembly will become a reality. Peace demands democracy and this event brings you closer to that day''.