Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The ending of violence by ETA is very welcome. As the Deputy stated, the way forward in pursuing political objectives should be peaceful and democratic and all of those involved should reject the use of violence. I welcome the statement that was made by ETA arising from the declaration made at the San Sebastian conference which contained five different elements or objectives. It is, in the first instance, a matter for the Spanish Government to respond to the statement. A new Government has recently been elected in Spain and will reflect on it. All of the political parties in Spain welcomed the cessation of violence and I hope the matter can be progressed and all the parties can participate in it.

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