| Author (Corporate) | BBC |
|---|---|
| Series Title | BBC News |
| Series Details | 07.04.17 |
| Publication Date | 07/04/2017 |
| Content Type | News |
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In a letter addressed to the international community, the Basque militant group ETA announced it was going to hand over all its weapons on 8 April 2017. The letter confirmed earlier reports about the group's disarmament plans. ETA called it 'disarmament day' but highlighted the process was not yet completed and warned against attempts to block it. ETA killed over 800 people and wounded thousands over 40 years of violence aimed at Basque independence. The group declared a ceasefire in October 2011 but did not disarm. This was seen as a result of many within the ranks to have resisted the step when both Spain and France had refused to offer anything in exchange. ETA handed over what it claimed were its final arms to authorities in the French city of Bayonne on the 8 April 2017. However, the Spanish government remained cautious. ETA would not 'reap any political advantage or profit', said Spain's Culture Minister Inigo Mendez de Vigo. In the past the Spanish government had rejected ETA's demands for amnesty or improved prison conditions for jailed members. While claiming to disarm, ETA made no claim to be dissolving itself as a radical movement campaiging for independence for the Basque Country. The Spanish Government called on ETA to disband. The Basque people were divided as to whether they wished to be an independent country. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39512637 |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations, Security and Defence |
| Countries / Regions | France, Spain |
