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VIDEO | ETA declares cease-fire for third time
Armed Basque separatist group ETA has announced it would not "carry out armed actions" in its campaign for independence. This is the third time that the Spanish armed group has announced a similar cease-fire.
In a video revealed shortly after 12.30 pm today by British State broadcaster BBC, the group wasquoted as sating it took the decision several months ago "to put in motion a democratic process".
The Spanish government had previously said it would negotiate with ETA if it renounced violence.
ETA’s violent campaign for Basque independence had led to more than 820 deaths over the past 40 years. It had called two ceasefires in the past, but abandoned them both.
It was unclear whether ETA was declaring a permanent or temporary ceasefire.
In the video, three hooded ETA fighters are shown sitting behind a desk with the ETA flag pinned up behind them.
The figure in the middle read out a prepared statement defending ETA's campaign of violence, but towards the end she announced the group now wanted to achieve its aims by peaceful, democratic means.
The video came as ETA had been under pressure with leading members of the group arrested, and growing calls from Basque political parties to declare a ceasefire.
There has been no reaction yet from the Spanish government to this announcement.
