24/03/2006

Senior Sinn Fein members involved in Eta ceasefire

A Spanish newspaper has today reported that two senior Sinn Fein politicians were involved in negotiations, which resulted in the Eta ceasefire.

The Basque terrorist group's ceasefire came into effect from midnight last night.

The newspaper, El Mundo, claimed that Sinn Fein member's, Alex Maskey and Gerry Kelly, were instrumental in the process, while yesterday it was confirmed that Belfast priest Father Alex Reid, who played a vital role in the IRA weapons decommissioning process, was also involved.

Speaking today to the BBC, Alex Maskey said that the lessons learned during the Northern Ireland peace process, were invaluable to those negotiating the Spanish peace deal.

He also confirmed that members of Sinn Fein had visited the Basque region of northern Spain and people from that area had come to Northern Ireland to examine the pros and cons of our peace process.

Eta has been held responsible for the killing of over 800 people throughout its 40-year fight for independence for the Basque region of Spain and southwest France.

A statement released by Eta on Wednesday said that they now aim to promote a democratic process in the Basque country, and they urged both Spain and France to enter into peace negotiation.

(EF/SP)

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