Spain's Fears

Here you have another Press Release by the Celtic League in support of the Basques' right to self determination:

SPAIN FEARS 'FREE STATE' OPTION FOR BASQUES

Spain's meddling in the Basque country has once again come unstuck with an overwhelming two thirds of the countries people indicating support for a plan by Basque premier, Jose Ibarretexe, to hold a referendum calling for a new constitutional status (A Free State) within a year.

The move by Ibarretexe is designed to offer an alternative to the hard-line stance by the Madrid government in the face of increased military actions by ETA.

The leader of the moderate PNV nationalist party is attempting to kick-start a peace process which might encourage more radical nationalists to call a cease-fire and embrace more fully the constitutional role.

Despite opposition from Madrid it seems that an overwhelming body of people in the Basque 'Region' favour the referendum and believe Madrid should abide by its outcome. Even the radical political party, Batasuna, whose members are currently being persecuted by the Spanish government and which faces a ban supports the referendum road.

The Celtic League has repeatedly called on Spain and the EU to allow the Basque people to decide their own future and this referendum could initiate that process. However, we are deeply sceptical that the Spanish government will respect the democratic wish of the Basque people and the coming months will probably see provocative actions by Spain in an attempt to derail the new consensus for peace.

Bernard Moffatt
Secretary General
Celtic League
29/10/02

The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It focuses on human rights abuse and civil liberty issues and also monitors the impact of military activity.

The Spaniards are fearful to let go of their genocidal and colonialist past. They are afraid the international community will finally figure out that Spain is today a totalitarian state just like in Francisco Franco's times.

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