Rubalcaba downplays possible ETA renouncement of violence

 

Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, Spain's Minster of the Interior, is playing down comments made by a jailed Basque separatist leader that ETA is prepared to renounce violence and seek independence through peaceful means.He has said that he wants to see action by ETA towards this move, not just empty made by people claiming to be in favour of it.

He was speaking earlier today in response to comments by Arnaldo Otegi, former leader of ETA's banned political wing Batasuna, in a written interview with the Wall Street Journal.

ETA Called a ceasefire back in September of this year and the Minister noted speculation is rife that another major announcement from it might be imminent. However, he noted that the move has a propaganda element to it and he prefers to wait and see if any positive action happens before speculating any more on the issue.