Liberals and Democrats stand united in support for peace process in Basque country

5.51.39pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Oct 2006

Today a motion for resolution, presented jointly by the Socialist group, the Liberals and Democrats, the Greens/EFA alliance and the United Left group in the European Parliament will be submitted to accompany the parliamentary debate scheduled for next week in Strasbourg.

Graham Watson MEP, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe and co-signatory of the text, recalled the over-riding importance of political dialogue in bringing a peaceful solution to what is essentially a political problem:

"There is no alternative now than for all parties to stand fully behind a peaceful resolution to the long-running conflict that has resulted in scores of innocent victims," said Watson.

"As with the peace process in Northern Ireland, politicians occasionally need to take risks for peace. We cannot allow disagreements amongst democratic forces to jeopardise the best prospects for peace in a generation. I appeal today to all my parliamentary colleagues across the political spectrum to put aside their differences and unite behind a common cause."

Josu Ortuondo Larrea MEP (PNV, Basque country) stated: "The Spanish Government, supported by all but one of the political parties, is now working towards a solution to the conflict through dialogue. It is important for the European Union to be engaged with the process. People will not understand if the European Union, an active player in conflict resolution around the world, does not get involved to resolve a case within its own borders."

"Our expression of support for the families of victims of terror must be complemented by our hope that violence can be ended and that there will be no more victims to mourn."

"We believe that there is now a broad consensus in Parliament, which is very positive," declared Ignasi Guardans MEP (CiU, Catalonia), who was also involved in the parliamentary negotiations over the text. "My only hope is that some members of the EPP group can reconsider their position in the light of the factual text to be voted on October 25th."