SNP Supports the Process

Well, this is good news.

The SNP has lended its support to the Basque peace process.

But what is the SNP?

This is what you can find at their web site:

The SNP is a democratic left-of-centre political party committed to Scottish Independence. It aims to create a just, caring and enterprising society by releasing Scotland's full potential as an independent nation in the mainstream of modern Europe.

The SNP was founded in 1934, and has had continuous parliamentary representation since 1967. Currently in the Scottish Parliament we have 25 MSPs and are the Official Opposition in the Scottish Parliament. At Westminster we have six MPs, two MEPs within the European Parliament, and 181 local councillors throughout Scotland.

The party has been at the forefront of the campaign for Scottish self-determination for almost seventy years. The evolution of the SNP has been paralleled by the political evolution of Scotland herself — from an almost totally unionist country to a nation on the brink of independence.

The Scottish people have invested a lot in their Parliament but there is a growing realisation that, although devolution was a job worth doing, it is a job half done.

The SNP exists to argue the case for completing the powers of the Scottish Parliament and returning Scotland to the normal status of an independent country. Independence means Scotland will have a direct voice in Europe and the international community, and the power to tackle Scotland’s social and economic problems by making Scotland’s wealth work for Scotland’s people.

And this is the note they posted at their site:

SNP call for progress on Basque Peace talks

europe

SNP Europe Spokesman Alyn Smith has today called on all parties in the peace process in the Basque Country to begin substantive talks as soon as possible and warned that the peace process risks losing what little momentum has been built up.

Mr Smith is in the Basque Country meeting with Ministers of the Basque government and representatives of the Basque Parliament, as well as other parties. Mr Smith is a founder member of the international "Parliamentarian Friendship Group" established to monitor events and support progress in the peace process where appropriate.

Speaking from Vitoria, Mr Smith said: "I have been struck by just how positive an example Scotland is for the Basque Country. We have achieved the establishment of the Parliament in Edinburgh and set our country on a sure path to change without recourse to violence. As the SNP prepares for government I have been here to stress our support for progress in the Basque Country and to learn from their experience of government.

"The Basque Country has a historic opportunity to make progress. That opportunity must not be missed. Just last week ETA threatened a return to violence, a move that would be heartbreaking when the peace process might be gaining ground. "As a friendly outsider I would not suggest how the Basques should solve their problems, but it is clear to me that the problems of the Basque Country are political in nature, and can only be solved by dialogue.

"The SNP has always been an outward looking internationalist party. Next week Scotland will host a further round of talks in the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Taking the parties to conflict out of their home environment will inspire a more constructive outcome. I look at the positive influence that small northern European states have had, like Norway in the Middle East and Sri Lanka as peace makers. As we look towards an SNP government in 2007 I want to see Scotland join those countries who are able to offer others the support and space needed to reach a peaceful deal and to and play our proper role in the world.

"The Basque Country has, despite the political problems, achieved levels of economic growth and a standard of living for their people that I look at with envy. Scotland has a lot to learn from the world as well as a lot to give, I have been proud to be here to demonstrate the interest and support of the SNP for peaceful dialogue."

Mr Smith also discussed issues to be debated at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on October 25th when the Basque Peace Process will be discussed.

A like these words even more today: "They can take away your life, but they will never take, your freedom!"

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