Udalbiltza's Push for Nationhood

Very interesting note, indeed.

Loren Arkotxa, leader of Udalbiltza, the first Basque national institution, told Berria that his organization is ready to present the request for nationhood for Euskal Herria to the UN.

Here you have the note:

Arkotxa: “We are going to proclaim our nationhood in the UN and request that it be recognised”

The Udalbiltza continues its work, difficulties notwithstanding. Its chairman, Loren Arkotxa, is proud of the work it has done and upbeat about the future

Aitziber Laskibar – DURANGO (Bizkaia)

We met Loren Arkotxa (Ondarroa, Bizkaia, 1945) on Spanish Constitution Day (December 6). Before going to the demo called by the Bai Euskal Herriari (Yes to the Basque Country) initiative in Durango, he told us that the demand for Basque nationhood would lead to practical results “sooner rather than later”. That is the context in which the campaign Udalbiltza is due to launch tomorrow is set. They will be requesting that Basque nationhood be recognised in the UN. On the other hand, he is optimistic and hopeful about the resolution of the Basque conflict, even though he reckons he has a “70% chance” of being sent to prison, in view of how the 18/98 is progressing.

Now that the Udalbiltza has been in existence for six years, you have been quoted as saying that one era has come to an end and that another cycle will be starting. What has the past era been and what can one expect of the new one?

The Udalbiltza was founded six years ago. When it was founded, it had to fill many gaps. And these six years have been truly fruitful for the Udalbiltza and, in my view, what the Udalbiltza has given has also been fruitful. In other words, at that time significant players were thin on the ground, although that is not the case today. For instance, the Conflict Resolution Commission and the National Development Council that have been created out of the Forum for National Debate, which has a National Plan today. This has filled many gaps and that is where our work and efforts have been directed from the very start. On the other hand, the Udalbiltza has struck deals to collaborate with many other social players. Even though the public at large has many players, what was needed was one that somehow linked them in a national perspective. And that is why we are saying that a period has somehow been completed. And from now on we will have to pursue other lines. In other words, the Udalbiltza will be moving towards its natural position; in other words, municipal work and the work of municipal elected representatives from the perspective of the whole of Euskal Herria. The Udalbiltza is obviously not an Eudel. It does not simply look to municipalities, but is also an institution to conduct work on a national level for the whole of the Euskal Herria from the town councils. I think the elected municipal representatives are active elements. (…)

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