2006/X/25
The Basque peace process debated in Strasburg

Historic moment

For the first time in Basque history, the European parliament discusses the Basque political conflict through two different resolutions, one forwarded by the PSOE and supported by GUE and ALE/the Greens and the other one by the PP.

Historic moment we say because is the first time that the representatives of those countries integrated in the European Union will be able to inform themselves and debate on how to tackle the peace process. Historic moment because Europe recognises that the Basque Country is a political subject, because recognises the existence of a political conflict and that it must be resolved within the European Union's parameters.

The resolution

The resolution does not tackle the political bases of the conflict, does not mention the Basque Country's right for free-determination-right ratified by president Zapatero in the Spanish congress the 28 June 2006- essential right to resolve democratically the conflict that has confronted the Basque Country with the Spanish and French states through out centuries.

Batasuna considers necessary the inclusion of Zapatero's statement in the mentioned resolution not only for its democratic value but also because admitted the political bases of the Basque conflict. The resolution itself is poor in content, week, but at the same time important as it is thanks to the process started in November 2004 with "Now the people, now peace" proposal that brought about not only a new political scenario in the Basque Country but has also forced the Spanish government to assume its responsibility at an international level. Although reiterating the lack of serious content, Batasuna would like to underline the importance of:

1. Having at last the Basque conflict within the European agenda.
2. The vote explanation at the end of the debate.

The Basque delegation

The conflict that confronts the Spanish and French states with the Basque Country is a political conflict. Political we say, not only because of the linguistic and cultural differences but also because the Basque Country has had its democratic rights to become an independent country and to freely decide its future and relationship with the Spanish and French administrations rejected. These two simple reasons have originated the political conflict of the oldest country in Europe.

To have a democratic resolution, we must understand that society has to be widely represented by trade unions, socio-cultural organizations, political parties... being all of them in equality of conditions. This is why a delegation of the Democratic agreement of base-union representatives, politicians of different sensibilities, social movements...- have taken part in the debate in order to demand the necessity of a non-exclusion process and to endorse the society's right to decide its future.


The international involvement

The international agents have actively taken part in worldwide conflict resolution processes, and although this process has to be carried out democratically in the Basque Country, between Basque agents, we must underline that the international agents are the ones who have ensured the democratic paths, who have stated the political origin of those conflicts and above all who have efficiently demanded the necessity of a democratic resolution. This is why we seek your support to resolve for good this long conflict.

We would also like to summon all the French agents to take part in the process as this country (although not involved in the process) denies the most elemental political, administrative, cultural and linguistic rights to three of the seven Basque provinces, let alone the dispersion policy imposed to 170 political prisoners and their families and friends. The French state will have to take part in this process!



Batasuna's participation in the debate

This week Batasuna has received many threats denying its entrance to the European Parliament, Batasuna confirms its presence as believes that the Basque pro-independence left, although persecuted, should be within the image of this stateless nation demanding democracy in the European institutions, more over when is thanks to its work both in the Basque Country and also internationally that we give this important step forward today. Batasuna reiterates its firm bid towards a democratic peace process and compromise to achieve it.