Weekly news bulletin of the abertzale left

• Aberri Eguna in Gernika and Baigorri
• ETA again reaffirms its commitments and gives an explanation of the shooting
• Brief News

Thousands of pro-independence Basques claimed once more that Euskal Herria is a nation and as such is entitled to take its place in the international community. Following the call of Independentistak network thousands of Basques formed a great green wave that filled the streets of Gernika and Baigorri claiming on both sides of the imposed border that we are a nation and we want independence for Euskal Herria.

In Gernika, over 10,000 people marched through the city centre, demanding the right to independence for the country. After a great ikurriña and a banner with the slogan "Argi Berdea independentziari"  thousands and thousands of women and men did not cease to repeat over and over again:" independentzia! " and " Euskal presoak etxera! ". In the words of a spokesperson of Independentistak network "Every year Aberri Eguna should be the day for pro-independence people to show our strength to Basque society, the states and around the world."

In the final political event the organisers claimed that "we are a people and as such we want to live, free, in peace, without strings, without any imposition, we want to be masters of ourselves and not under the mandate of anybody." Independentistak, stated that it is time to take steps.

In Baigorri, where the Nafarroaren Eguna was held as every year, events were also held to mark the Aberri Eguna. Lots of people were wearing the characteristic green scarf of independentistak network. The political event was connected live with Gernika, and the cries of "independentzia" echoed in the two locations. As the representative of independentistak explained "thousands of hearts together on a single beat, a sign that we are a people."

In the event of Baigorri they claimed that it is time to switch the green light for independence. Euskal Herria is living moments of hope and enthusiasm, they stressed, and we must join forces and open the way for independence.

ETA again reaffirms its commitments and gives an explanation of the shooting.

In a statement issued on the occasion of Aberri Eguna ETA enhances the struggle and commitment of those who opt for a Basque state. The armed organisation stresses that "we get to Aberri Eguna once, as an oppressed people, but alive and with an open opportunity to be free."

In relation with the current political situation, ETA appreciates that "in recent months a new era is been open, we are opening it." From the point of view of the armed organisation, "at the base of the steps we are taking is the challenge to cross the door of freedom that is already open." For the armed organisation, "independence, creating a Basque state, is the only option to achieve complete freedom." ETA stands out its "full confidence" in the people, "the strength of the people."

The statement concludes with a mention for those who "are being punished in jail and in exile for loving their country." They highlight on that point the Basque political prisoners and, in particular, Mikel Ibañez, who suffered from a serious illness diagnosed while he was in prison, and died recently after suffering long medical neglecting and refusals to his release.

Through a press release sent to the newspaper Gara, the Basque armed organisation ETA said that the shooting happened a few weeks ago between the French police and activists of this organisation "was against their will." ETA understands that events of this nature create concerns in the Basque society and among Basque social agents.

ETA places the shooting in a wider context, the arrests that have taken place in recent weeks and holds both states responsible for this situation: "the governments of Spain and France and its armed forces which harass, detain, torture and imprison Basque citizens have full responsibility for what happened."

Finally, the armed organisation reaffirms its commitment for a permanent, comprehensive and verifiable ceasefire, "ETA is working to build a situation that will make possible a final and democratic solution to the armed conflict, in line with what made public to Euskal Herria on the January 10th statement."

The Abertzale Left believes that ETA by this note endorses the demands of the majority of Basque people and shows its determination to consolidate the new era opened in Euskal Herria, confirming its commitment with a definitive democratic resolution.

However, the Abertzale Left believes that the Spanish government's position is diametrically opposed, denying and hindering the process at the same time while violating the right of Basque citizens to live in peace. Thus, the Abertzale Left calls the state to change is attitude and opt for peaceful and democratic ways, once and for all.

Brief News

Wikileaks Cables on the last process: Disclosed wikileaks cables that mention the Basque Country reveal the indecision of the PSOE government during the last process. The same cables also reflect the strong support for the dialogue shown by society.

Robert McBride, former South African political prisoner: Interesting interview on the South African process and the role played by political prisoners in it published in Gara and Le Journal du Pays Basque.

More signatures for legalisation: international personalities keep endorsing the manifesto demanding the legalisation of the Abertzale Left.

www.friendsofthebasquecountry.org

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