SNP WELCOME BASQUE PEACE PROCESS LEAP FORWARD

MEP FRIENDSHIP GROUP ASSISTING DIALOGUE

SNP Europe Spokesman Alyn Smith MEP has today welcomed the declaration ofa cease fire by the Basque terrorist group ETA, and praised the cross and non-party peace campaigners in the Basque Country who have achieved today's announcement.

Mr Smith, a founder member of an international Parliamentarians "Basque Friendship Group" supporting the peace process, took part in a major international conference held in the European parliament in Brussels inDecember 2005 to support the "Political Peace Declaration" which has beengaining unprecedented support in the Basque Country and has today beeninstrumental in securing the announcement from ETA.

Speaking from Brussels, Mr Smith said:"This is a major announcement today and gives some hope to a people moreused to hopelessness. I'm delighted to see that the Basques have taken astep forward, however tentative."

The problems in the Basque Country are not going to be solved overnight,but with support and assistance then dialogue will take place, and dialogue is the only way to achieve progress. Scotland, and the SNP has long held an internationalist outlook with a keen interest in other peoples and their problems and we support the Basque parties and people in seeking a peaceful agreement on their future."

I have been pleased to support the establishment of the Parliamentarian Friendship Group. This was a brave initiative on the part of a few campaigners in the Basque Country and I'm delighted for them today. Campaigners must now seize the initiative and build upon this announcement."

As an SNP MEP I have a particular perspective, and positive story to tell the Basques, where in Scotland we have our own work in progress in building up the Scottish parliament and nation, and have achieved the results thus far with not so much as a bloody nose."

"I'm pleased to see today's announcement, and commit my continuing supportto the process."

The "Political Peace Declaration" has been signed by 55 differentpolitical parties, faith groups and other organisations. The friendship group acts as observers and guarantors of ongoing dialogue at this crucial stage in the Basque peace process, and bring an added dimension to the internal Basque discussions.