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sandensea

(21,526 posts)
Wed May 2, 2018, 06:03 PM May 2018

Spanish Basque separatist group ETA dissolves after 54 years

Source: UPI

The Spanish Basque separatist group ETA said it's dissolving after more than a half-century, during which more than 800 people died amid its campaign.

ETA, considered a terrorist organization by the European Union, sent letters to organizations in Spain's northeastern Basque region last month.

The letters, meant to show the group's decision is "definite and conclusive," said ETA will dissolve all structures and "has terminated its political initiatives." The declaration acknowledges the formal end of its mission.

A formal dissolution ceremony in the French town of Cambo-les-Bains is scheduled for this weekend.

Read more: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/05/02/Spanish-Basque-separatist-group-ETA-dissolves-after-54-years/8701525278803/

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sandensea

(21,526 posts)
2. Sure - after someone explains to him what it was, and where Spain is.
Wed May 2, 2018, 06:10 PM
May 2018

"They speak Spanish!?" "They're not brown, are they?"

BumRushDaShow

(127,295 posts)
3. Wow.
Wed May 2, 2018, 06:52 PM
May 2018

That.s pretty significant.

A shame that with all the other insane news going on that this historic event might end up being a footnote of a story.

sandensea

(21,526 posts)
11. Here's hoping Rajoy won't drive them to violence again.
Wed May 2, 2018, 08:48 PM
May 2018

That said, it'll be interesting to see how much credit Rajoy - practically a Spanish Trump - will try to take for this development in the meantime.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
4. Interesting, so I found the longer version of UPI's article.
Wed May 2, 2018, 07:03 PM
May 2018

Thanks, Sandensea.

http://www.dw.com/en/basque-eta-separatists-announce-they-are-completely-dissolving/a-43625162

The Basque separatist movement has been winding down its activities for years, but the letter's publication on Wednesday marks a key step to the group's permanent closure. International mediators are working to conclusively end the dispute with Madrid and Paris at an upcoming peace conference on May 4. In its letter, ETA acknowledged its responsibility in failing to resolve the conflict. At the same time, they said the Basque region was "before a new opportunity to finally close the conflict and build a collective future." A 2017 poll found only 14 percent of Basque residents supported independence. ...

The separatist Basque movement was created in 1958 as a response to oppression by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. The group, originally gathering youths close to the Basque Nationalist Party, dubbed its self ETA for Euskadi ta Askatasuna or "Basque Homeland and Freedom" in the region's language. ...

The group declared a truce in 2011, handed over weapons in 2017 and apologized to its victims last month. ...


Coventina

(26,846 posts)
6. While I do not condone violence: What is rarely mentioned is the long history of
Wed May 2, 2018, 07:58 PM
May 2018

violence against the Basque people by the Spanish government.

The ETA's acts of terror were always well-publicized.

The Spanish secret police killed far more Basques than the ETA killed their Spanish targets.

I'm not saying it's right, what the ETA did, but only one side of the story was ever told.

Haggis for Breakfast

(6,831 posts)
14. The Basque people
Wed May 2, 2018, 11:07 PM
May 2018

These people were one of the most oppressed cultures in modern (20th century) history. What Franco's thugs did to them is called genocide. Sadly, they were never held accountable for the murders of innocents and the wholesale leveling of villages.

Because of the isolation of their homeland, between the countries of Spain and France, high up in the Pyrenees, their language developed independently of those surrounding them. A truly unique language.

sandensea

(21,526 posts)
12. They certainly are distinct from the rest of Spain, and I hope they achieve their dream someday soon
Wed May 2, 2018, 08:51 PM
May 2018

Above all I hope they'll have nothing but peace from now on.

CTyankee

(63,769 posts)
15. A modern art masterpiece, "Guernica," by Picasso emerged from the bombing and destruction of
Thu May 3, 2018, 06:05 PM
May 2018

the Basque town of Guernica. Because of the art, it lives in memory around the world.

sandensea

(21,526 posts)
16. Bombed by Hitler at Franco's own request
Thu May 3, 2018, 07:02 PM
May 2018

The larcenous little bastard never saw justice for that - at least not in his lifetime.

Coventina

(26,846 posts)
17. Thanks for bringing this up!
Thu May 3, 2018, 09:40 PM
May 2018

That painting changed many lives, and remains one of the greatest answers to brutality ever made.

Wolf Frankula

(3,595 posts)
18. Most Zazpiak Bat people I know are cheering this
Sun May 6, 2018, 02:08 PM
May 2018

"The armed struggle is over. It is time for political action. Put down the rifle and pick up the ballot." they are saying.

Wolf

sandensea

(21,526 posts)
19. They'll be a formidable political force no doubt
Sun May 6, 2018, 02:50 PM
May 2018

Most Basque people I've known are as shrewd as they are tenacious. Compromise - that most essential of political cards - may be a challenge though.

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