Less and less people march for an independent Basque country as substantial autonomy gives more and more power to the locals. At the same time, military leaders of ETA have been arrested and the international pressure (even from the left wing parties) to stop killings mounted over the years. All these factors contributed to ETA's latest manoeuvre when three masked persons announced another ceasefire.

If they stick to it, what has been far from truth so far, it might help their political wing Batasuna to engage in the political process again. The pressure could be shifted from the ETA to the Spanish government that banned Batasuna. If Batasuna is allowed to participate in the democratic process, the Northern Ireland's example could be followed in Spain finally. It is symptomatic however, that even pro-independent Basque parties require international observers to monitor this last ceasefire.

ETA has lost its attractiveness and popularity not only thanks to innocent civilians' killings. Jailed ETA veterans criticised, what has been called an economic terrorism, when some of the group's latest activities, including kidnappings, have been based upon the financial motives solely. Now, if ETA really means it and the killings stop, it will be interesting to watch Madrid sidelining the peaceful activities of the pro-independence Basque parties. Because, as Kosovo taught us, hope never dies.

Milan Sebo

PHOTO: ISIFA