Bilbao - The government of Spain's Basque region granted permission yesterday for the ETA guerrilla group's political wing to stage a weekend demonstration, despite fears that it might ignite violence.
The authorities had banned a similar march planned for last Saturday because of concerns about a backlash from people outraged by ETA's killing of town councillor, Mr Miguel Angel Blanco, earlier this month. They said yesterday the demonstration would be allowed to go ahead in San Sebastian under heavy security. ETA's political wing, Herri Batasuna, called the rally in response to anti-ETA marches across Spain last week. - (Reuter)