Here they are:
Reactions of Basque political parties
Arrests06/20/2006
Basque Nationalist Party PNV
The president of the Basque Nationalist Party PNV in Gipuzkoa, Joseba Egibar, has noted that the "detentions" and "police operations" are never "positive news" but "normal news." In his opinion, Police must solve the investigations started and it's "normal" that past events are investigated.
Such operations as today's "don't favour the process," according to Egibar. However, the nationalist leader hopes "the process for the resolution of the conflict will follow."
Asked about the possibility that political influences could have prompted the arrests, Egibar has pointed out that Police "has always been guided by political control." He has added that "(conservative) PP has always had something to do with the investigations linked to ETA."
"Furthermore, taking into account that judges Fernando Grande-Marlaska and Laurence Le Vert have ordered the operation, I'd like to know who is behind," he has noted.
Conservative PP
Conservative PP secretary general, Carmelo Barrio, has affirmed that the operation against ETA's extortion operations is "a satisfaction reason" and shows that Democracy "is ready to defeat terrorists."
He has highlighted that it is "a very important judicial operation" in which judges Fernando Grande-Marlaska and Laurence Le Vert "made a good job" using the tools of Democracy to "neutralise terrorists."
In his opinion, with this operation, "once again it has been revealed that when Democracy works, we advance a lot." That is why he has said "the essential element to show that Democracy works is the defeat of ETA."
Socialist PSE-EE
Basque socialists preferred not to voice their opinion on the police operation in public, and have referred to the statements by Interior minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba.
Nationalist EA
EA has also decided not to voice political interpretations of the operation because, as they have explained, "we have never talked about arrests."
Communist EB
Communist EB spokesman, Mikel Arana, has asked not to use the police operation against ETA's extortion operations to "boycott the peace process."
Arana has affirmed in a statement that such an operation is the consequence of proceedings started in 1998 and adds "it's evident that Justice must act when there is evidence of crime."
He has added that, however, "presumption of innocence must be preserved and these events can't be used to hinder the peace process and political normalisation, since those are demands of Basque society."
That is why he has asked for "caution, moderation and prudence" from political, institutional and judicial representatives, and has reiterated that his party "will bet for an authentic peace process."
Outlawed leftwing nationalist Batasuna
Outlawed leftwing nationalist Batasuna spokesman, Arnaldo Otegi, has said that the police operation against ETA's extortion operation is a "clear and straightforward" attack against the hopes of Basque society. Furthermore, he has affirmed that it "doesn't match with the current situation."
In a press conference in Donostia-San Sebastián, Otegi has stated that this operation is " a political decision" of the socialist Government. Thus, he has asked Rodríguez Zapatero's Executive "how this helps to overcome the conflict and tackle the peace process."
In his opinion, with this kind of "public order dynamic" the socialist Government wants to "hide" that it has a problem "not with leftwing nationalism, but with a country that is a nation and has the right to decide."
Police operation
06/20/2006The general coordinator of the leftwing nationalist party Aralar, Patxi Zabaleta, assured today the arrest of Julen Madariaga, charged with alleged membership of the Basque armed group ETA's extortion operations "is a clear move of Spain's judicature against the peace process this country needs."
At the press conference, Zabaleta asserted that Madariaga, member of the leftwing nationalist party Aralar, "was one of ETA founders in the times of Franco's regime, and has been a tireless fighter for peace and freedom for ages."
"Grande-Marlaska's accusations to Aralar or Basque Country citizens don't deserve credibility," added.
In this sense, Zabaleta said, "it is PSOE's responsibility to make moves so that the peace process be irreversible, and as soon as possible."
Finally, Zabaleta pointed out that from "Aralar, we want to show our solidarity with the detainees in this police operation, especially with Julen Madariaga and his family." He also claimed the "immediate release of all the detainees, and the vanishing off of the National High Court."
12 detentions
06/20/2006The spokeswoman for the Basque government, Miren Azkarate, considered "odd" the detention of alleged ETA members linked to extortion operations, as those detained are citizens "who long ago got publicly clear from violence and kept that change in attitude over years."
After the Basque government meeting, Azkarate demanded "explanations" over the cause of the detentions "as soon as possible," so that "all of us notice what behind of this matter is."
Asked whether the police operation could affect the peace process, she refused to answer, as she is expecting more information on the issue.
Endorsing meetings with Batasuna
In turn, the council of the Basque government unanimously stated they "support and endorse" future meetings between the Basque premier, Juan Jose Ibarretxe, and members of the outlawed Batasuna party.
The announcement was made following the council's appeal to the High Court of Justice of the Basque Country against a lawsuit brought by Ermua Forum against the Basque premier, who met with members of the outlawed party on April 19.
In view of the lawsuit, the spokeswoman for the Basque government, Miren Azkarate, explained members of the government "found themselves guilty" to support Ibarretxe, adding "they acknowledged and participated in deliberations which led to meetings between the premier and the leftwing nationalist party."
No comments:
Post a Comment