Reactions to ETA's Statement

Once again ETA shows it commitment to peace.

Despite the rash of detentions where a dozen Basques were deprived of their freedom by the repressive joint operatives by Spain and France, the Basque armed group insists this is the time for peace, but also demands the same level of commitment by all the actors in this drama.

Here you have some of the reactions by the international media to the latest call for dialogue.

Angola Press: ETA calls on Spansh gov't to boost peace efforts

MADRID, 06/22 - The armed Basque separatist organization ETA issued a statement Wednesday, calling on the Spanish government to redouble its peace efforts and reiterating its commitment to Spain's peace process.

The group said that there had been "obstacles" since a ceasefire was declared on March 22, referring to Tuesday's arrest of 12 people for extortion, five in Spain and the rest in France.

"ETA calls on the government to take the steps needed so that no law nor court order will be an obstacle or limit to the commitment that is broadly supported by the Basque people, so that words can become reality," the statement said.

"In order to allow the negotiation process to develop, Spanish authorities need to adopt and fulfill their ceasefire commitments, " said the group.

The Spanish government must guarantee a complete end to repression, a halt to attacks against political prisoners, and must apply laws which halt pressure, blackmail and extortion against the political activities of independent leftist groups, the organization demanded in the statement.

TVNZ decides to side with Madrid and sees the call for commitment as a warning, they also deny the presumption of innocence for those recently arrested: ETA warns Spanish government

The statement comes a day after Spanish and French police arrested 12 suspected ETA guerrillas in the biggest operation against the Basque separatists since the ceasefire was declared.

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