Spain: ETA's political arm calls for peace talks

The political wing of Basque Homeland and Freedom called on Saturday for talks between the armed Basque separatists and Spain's government based on the principles used in Northern Ireland's peace process.

The group nevertheless stopped short of condemning guerrilla violence, something which has proved the main hurdle to any new peace initiatives with the Spanish government and opposition parties. It is also the reason why Batasuna, who seeks independence for the northern Basque region, is outlawed.( Reuters)