European Parliament backs Spanish peace overtures

6.00.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Oct 2006

Following last minute changes, the European Parliament approved today a text which supports the fight against terrorism and the peace initiative of the Spanish authorities.

Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the Liberal and Democrat group in the European Parliament welcomed the outcome of the vote but expressed his disappointment that some political parties in the House could not bring themselves to support the motion for resolution.

In his plenary speech during the debate Watson stated:

"It is not for us in the European Parliament to intervene directly between the Spanish government, political parties and the long-running conflict in the Basque country. Yet nor can we turn a blind eye. We should encourage what may be the best prospects for peace in a generation."

"This is not to hand a victory to the terrorists, as some would suggest, but rather a defeat. For there can be no dialogue among democrats if one of the parties still maintains the intent to kill."

"I therefore appeal to all sides of this House today to set aside party politics and unite as a country, as a Union, for the prospects of peace as much as we stand together in revulsion at acts of terrorism."

MEPs Josu Ortuondo (PNV) and Ignasi Guardans (CiU) also expressed their satisfaction that the European Union was now taking an interest in and supporting all efforts to find a non-violent solution to the conflict in the Basque country.

Editors note:

The final text of the resolution states:

"Condemns violence as it is morally unacceptable and absolutely incompatible with democracy;

Expresses its solidarity with the victims of terrorism;

Supports the fight against terrorism and the peace initiative in the Basque Country undertaken by the Spanish democratic institutions in the framework of their exclusive competences."