Otegi gives veiled apology for ETA violence

8 May 2006

BARCELONA — The leader of the banned political wing of ETA appeared to offer a veiled apology for the terrorist group’s violence.

Arnaldo Otegi, leader of Batasuna, told the Catalan newspaper Avui that it was a “mistake” to “give the impression that the suffering of others (the victims of ETA) did not bother us and that the ends justified the means”.

Otegi was referring to ETA’s armed struggle which has claimed the lives of more than 800 victims over 38 years.

Batasuna, which until now has refused to condemn ETA violence, was banned after being linked to ETA.

Otegi made the comments after asserting that in the political atmosphere after ETA declared its first ever permanent ceasefire in March, Batasuna should be legalized.

But the main political parties reacted cautiously to Otegi’s comments, saying this still did not merit the readmission of the party to the negotiating table as a full legitimate political force.

José Blanco , secretary of the ruling Socialist party, said: “This is a step forward, but it is not enough to legalise Batasuna.”

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news