The Basque separatist organization ETA has issued a statement saying it is ending its 43-year armed campaign for independence and called on Spain and France to open talks.
The group made the announcement in a statement on October 20 to the Basque daily "Gara," which it regularly uses as a mouthpiece.
ETA declared a permanent cease-fire in January, but up to now had not renounced armed struggle as a tool for achieving an independent Basque state, a key demand of the Spanish government.
ETA has killed 829 people in bombings and shootings since the late 1960s.
It is classified as a terrorist organization by Spain, the European Union and the United States.
compiled from agency reports
The group made the announcement in a statement on October 20 to the Basque daily "Gara," which it regularly uses as a mouthpiece.
ETA declared a permanent cease-fire in January, but up to now had not renounced armed struggle as a tool for achieving an independent Basque state, a key demand of the Spanish government.
ETA has killed 829 people in bombings and shootings since the late 1960s.
It is classified as a terrorist organization by Spain, the European Union and the United States.
compiled from agency reports
