The International Verification
Commission (IVC) has held a series of meetings in Bilbao from February
18th to February 20th 2013 to gather information on the state of the
ceasefire and the end of violence in the Basque Country, and to monitor
developments in these areas.
On February 18th and 19th the Commission
bilaterally met with the President of the Basque Country and
representatives of political and social actors in Basque society (the
list of interlocutors below*). On February 20th the Commission held a
plenary meeting. The Commission is grateful to all of them for their
assistance and support in the carrying out of its work.
During this visit, the Commission
has verified that two years after ETA’s declaration of a permanent,
general and verifiable ceasefire and 16 months after its declaration of a
definitive end of violence, ETA continues to fulfill its commitments.
Our interlocutors in the Basque Country have informed us that
assassinations, bombings, attacks, threats and extortion have ceased.
While the Commission is generally
satisfied with ETA’s compliance with the ceasefire and its declaration
to end violence, it continues to work on improving relevant aspects.
The Commission notes the high
expectations that exist in Basque society about the need for further
steps to be taken towards the consolidation of peace. We call on any and
all relevant actors to seize this opportunity taking new steps and
confidence building measures.
Through meetings with all our
interlocutors in the Basque Country and contacts with ETA, the
Commission is optimistic that these steps will be taken. Nevertheless,
to guard against complacency or delay, it is vital that appropriate
steps be taken now to grasp this historic opportunity. The Commission is
at the disposal of all actors to help in achieving them.
The Commission would like to welcome the
election of a new Basque Parliament. The Commission is confident that
this newly elected institution will advance the consolidation of peace
in the Basque Country. In particular, the Commission hopes that the
newly created Commission for Peace and Coexistence in the Parliament
will serve to further dialogue among all parties.
The IVC wishes to further develop the
positive working relationships it has established in the Basque Country.
The Commission will continue to work with determination and
impartiality with the aim of contributing to this historic opportunity
for a lasting peace in the Basque Country.
More information: http://www.ivcom.org/en/home/
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