Irish Delegate to Euskal Herria

Some great news via the BBC, an Irish delegate will be traveling to Euskal Herria to support a peace process proposal:

Republican attends Basque peace launch

Saturday, 26 January, 2002, 10:09 GMT

A leading member of Sinn Fein is to travel to Spain's northern Basque region on Saturday as new peace proposals are unveiled.

The proposals, being launched by Herri Batasuna - the political wing of the Basque separatist group ETA - are entitled: "A scenario for peace in the Basque Country".

Batasuna invited Sinn Fein to attend the launch to explain the evolution of the Northern Ireland peace process, and if it can be used to help a similar process in the Basque Country.

Alex Maskey, a South Belfast member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, said there had been important political developments through dialogue in recent years in areas of the world with long-running conflicts.

"While there are many differences between the various conflicts that exist around the world, there are a number of common elements available that can help achieve peaceful resolutions," he said.

"In the first instance, successful peace processes require dialogue and negotiation based on inclusion and equality.

"Participants must approach such processes seeking an inclusive agreement.

"And finally, the international community can play a crucial role in encouraging, sustaining and facilitating a conflict resolution process".

He said everyone shared a responsibility to address conflict and injustice.

"In particular, Irish republicans have sought to share our experience of conflict resolution and the lessons which we have learned with others."

He said Sinn Fein did not want to become involved or interfere with the internal affairs of other nations.

"Ireland maybe a small country but we have a very special role to play in international affairs," he said.

"We have the potential to use the goodwill and respect enjoyed by the Irish nation throughout the world to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

"I welcome the initiatives taken by Batasuna in launching these new peace proposals.

"I believe that the opportunity now exists to build a real and inclusive peace process for the Basque country.

"I hope that the Basque parties and the Spanish and French Governments respond positively to these proposals."

He said the international community also had an important role to play in the process.

Now, who told the author that Batasuna was ETA's political wing? Neither Batasuna nor ETA have ever made such statement. Seems like the BBC leans towards Madrid, no surprise there, it is after all an English media outlet.

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