FOLLOWING elections in the Basque country on October 21st, 2012, , the Green Party of England & Wales would like to voice its support for the ongoing efforts to end the Basque conflict.
Delegates from The Basque Peace Process, Igor Zulaika and Oier Imaz had a meeting in London with the Deputy Leader of the Green Party, Will Duckworth, and former International Coordinator, Farid Erkizia Bakht.
During their in-depth discussion, Will Duckworth stated “the Green Party of England & Wales would like to support the resolution of the international conference of Aiete, held on October 2011 with the participation of Kofi Annan and Gro Bruuntland. We ask all the involved groups to follow the recommendations of the Aiete Declaration”.
Farid Erkizia Bakht said: “We welcome the permanent ceasefire and cessation of violence by Euskadi Ta Askatasuna . The ball is now in Madrid's court. It must show its willingness to reciprocate and open a dialogue to bring normalisation to the Basque country, looking to Northern Ireland as an example of what is achievable.”
Notes to Editors
Aiete Declaration, October 2011
We call upon ETA to make a public declaration of the definitive cessation of all armed action and to request talks with the governments of Spain and France to address exclusively the consequences of the conflict.
If such a declaration is made we urge the governments of Spain and France to welcome it and agree to talks exclusively to deal with the consequences of the conflict.
We urge that major steps be taken to promote reconciliation, recognize, compensate and assist all victims, recognize the harm that has been done and seek to heal personal and social wounds.
In our experience of resolving conflicts there are often other issues that, if addressed, can assist in the attainment of lasting peace. We suggest that non violent actors and political representatives meet and discuss political and other related issues, in consultation with the citizenry, that could contribute to a new era without conflict. In our experience third party observers or facilitators help such dialogue. Here, such dialogue could also be assisted by international facilitators, if that were desired by those involved.
We are willing to form a committee to follow up these recommendations.
Further information and Green involvement:
http://www.greens-efa.eu/aiete-conference-a-road-map-for-peace-in-the-basque-country-5642.html