Basque Separatist Group ETA Calls For Ceasefire

Basque separatist group ETA announces a ceasefire.

The video statement appeared on the website of Basque-language newspaper Gara, but did not say whether the ceasefire was permanent or temporary.

The group has fought over four decades to carve out an independent Basque state in northern Spain and southern France.

Spain's interior ministry declined to comment on the announcement.

ETA said it made the decision several months ago to stop armed actions. But the group still pressed supporters to continue working for their cause.

Madrid residents reacted to the news with a mix of cautious optimism and skepticism.

[Jimenez, Madrid Resident]:
"If it is not true and it is an illusion, it is worthless. To me, it seems good, any means to stop terrorism is good; that is important to all Spaniards."

"I think that it is not credible. It is going to be what they usually do. I don't know how to tell you. I think it is false, it is a cover. I'm not against it but there have been several occasions in which it has been announced and it always has been the same."

ETA's fight for independence has left some 850 people dead over the years.

The group has become crippled in recent years with the arrests of senior leaders.
A ceasefire was called in 2006, but fell apart after ETA detonated a car bomb at Madrid's airport.