Basque info 2011.03.02

Submitted by admin on Or, 2011/03/04 - 11:31

New phase for the Gernika Agreement

New phase for the Gernika Agreement
The sponsors of The Gernika Agreement held an event to present the over 300 new signatures of the Agreement. The event was also used to announce that the Agreement is entering a new phase in which the signatories will work to achieve its full implementation. In this regard they criticised the Spanish state as it continues “inserting sticks in the wheels of an irreversible process".

The endorsement by these new signatories is the result of the socialisation work carried out during the five months since the Gernika Agreement was launched on 25th September. During that period, there have been major changes in the Basque political arena: ETA’s permanent ceasefire, the steps taken by the Abertzale Left towards legalisation, etc. These steps in the current political context lead the Abertzale Left to feel that the democratic resolution of the conflict is closer than ever.

The sponsors referred to ETA’s statement and agreed it is of great value. The cease-fire was one of the demands listed in the Gernika Agreement. At the same time they called upon other agents to take steps in the same direction
Finally, taking a step towards the Agreement’s aims becoming reality, the signatories state that the time has come for the Agreement to be put into practice, and "its positions, which are clear and undeniable demands of the vast majority of Basque society, to come true. "

Erik Defoort, president of the European Free Alliance (EFA), took the floor at the event on behalf of the international sponsors. He was emphatic in saying that “support for this process is a must for all European democrats".

Pro-independence youth against European Arrest Warrant

Last week eight pro-independence youth locked themselves in a school in Izpura (northern Basque Country under French administration) to call attention to their difficult situation. They all fled their homes last October during a police operation against the banned pro-independence youth organization Segi. Fourteen youth were arrested, tortured and imprisoned then. The Izpura eight could be extradited to Spain at any time now.

At the begining of the lock-in they held a press conference. They were supported by relatives, friends and representatives of many political and social organisations. They outlined the reasons that forced them to organise the protest. They highlighted their political commitment and denounced the political background of the European Arrest Warrant against them.

They explained that it is a clear attempt to criminalise their political work. “We love the Basque Country and dream of freedom. Those are the reasons that have brought us youth, generation after generation, to commit ourselves to the struggle.” They made it clear that their only crime is to work politically in favour of independence and socialism.

Finally they showed their support for the Abertzale Left’s strategy to achieve a new political scenario and gave a rallying call to Basque youth: “ We youth have much to do in the new path that is opening up in the Basque Country. It’s time to reach a democratic scenario where the right to self-determination and territoriality are accepted. The Basque Country has taken different steps to resolve the political and armed conflict in a democratic manner. The French and Spanish states must put aside all repressive measures and walk the path of dialogue and agreement so that the democratic solution which the Basque Country deserves and needs is achieved once and for all.”

While locked in, the youth have received many solidarity messages. Demonstrations took place across the Basque Country. A large solidarity music event was organised on Saturday night. Representatives and members of many political, social and labour organizations came to visit them. Ten northern Basque elected representatives offered them refuge in their homes.

Unfortunately all the solidarity hasn’t been enough to stop the repressive machinery. During recent hours at least four of the youth have been arrested. After the lock-in finished on Sunday they had been staying in the home of a regional councilor of the Europe Ecologie party.

Most successful International Week of Solidarity ever+

Over the past weeks the 5th International Week of Solidarity with the Basque Country was organised by the Basque internationalist organization Askapena and the Friends of the Basque Country network.

Four years ago during the first edition five countries took part and 10 events were organised. This time 20 countries from Europe and Latin America saw more than 150 solidarity events organised.

There were talks addressed by speakers came from the Basque Country including prisoners’ relatives, youth and student activists, elected representatives and others. Also music and dance groups traveled from the Basque Country to show appreciation.

Protests were organised in most places and Milan became once again the most successful with around 2000 people in attendance.
Basque media followed the events daily and interviewed speakers and organisers. Askapena thanked all of those involved on behalf of the Basque people and highlighted the success of this 5th edition as well as the importance of the political juncture in the Basque Country and the role of the international solidarity.

European Lawyers’ Association denounces Basque solicitors case

The Association of European Lawyers recently launched their annual report about the situation in which solicitors have to carry out their work.  In it they denounced the “harrassment” that Basque solicitors suffer in the Spanish state.
They reported on the arrests of solicitors Arantza Zulueta, Iker Sarriegi and Jon Enparantza as well as the detention and incommunicado regime suffered by solicitors Haizea Ziluaga and Haritz Escudero who were afterwards released on bail.

Breaking news: Four alleged ETA members arrested

Four people were arrested on Tuesday near Bilbao accused of being members of an ETA unit. Explosives and weapons were seized but  despite the media allegations the Spanish Interior Minister says the investigation begins now with the interrogation sessions.

The pro-independence movement and relatives of the arrested have showed their concern at the way the arrested are being treated under the incommunicado regime. The Spanish Guardia Civil police in charge of the operation has a worrying record of inflicting savage tortures.

 

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