10 July 2006

SAN SEBASTIAN — Bob Dylan will headline a free concert on Tuesday in San Sebastian, lending his support to the fledgling peace process in the Basque Country.

The concert on Zurriola Beach is described by organisers as a "happening that will be remembered as a milestone in the path of peace".

Up to 50 000 people are expected to attend.

In a statement, the organisers added: "We are living days of hope when at last peace is possible. The gathering of thousands of people united by the music and over political ideas of any kind looks like the best way to symbolise this moment." 

Last month, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero announced his government would open talks with ETA to try to end 38 years of armed struggle by the Basque terrorists who have killed 817 people.

In March, ETA announced its first ever permanent ceasefire. It has declared ten earlier truces but returned to violence.

Dylan, 65, who is best known for classic songs like Blowing in the Wind  and The Times They Are A'Changin', is currently on tour in Spain.

He has said he does not want to get involved in making political statements.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news