Basque Country: A surprise election victory for the opposition Socialists in Spain's general election presented a "historic opportunity" to end violence by separatist group Eta, the premier of Spain's Basque region said yesterday.Mr Juan Jose Ibarretxe, who telephoned Mr José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero shortly after his dramatic poll win, welcomed a promise by the prime minister-elect to govern by dialogue.
"We have a historic opportunity for change and to build the future in peace and freedom," Mr Ibarretxe said. "Dialogue and not war is the way to fight terrorism across the world."
Mr Ibarretxe had not spoken with the departing prime minister, Mr José María Aznar, since July 2001, and Madrid often criticised Mr Ibarretxe for being soft on ETA despite his condemnation of ETA violence.
Mr Ibarretxe said he hoped the strong public outcry following Thursday's bombing, which included massive demonstrations across Spain, would deter Eta from violence.
However, obstacles may lie ahead. Mr Zapatero has condemned Mr Ibarretxe's proposal that sovereignty over the Basque Country be shared between Madrid and the Basque regional assembly.
The so-called "Ibarretxe plan" would require approval from the Basque regional assembly and the national parliament in Madrid. If Madrid fails to back the plan, Mr Ibarretxe has threatened to hold a regional referendum.
Mr Ibarretxe bills his plan as a means to end the campaign of violence by Eta. - (Reuters)