Basques keen to follow Kosovo's example
Published 22 February, 2008, 07:06
If Kosovo's self-proclaimed independence creates a precedent for other separatist regions in the world, the Basque country in Spain would be at the head of the queue. Although Spain does not recognise Kosovo's independence, some Basques are already thinking of their own breakaway move.
The Basques have their own language and culture, and many of them do not feel Spanish. Still, it is hard to know what percentage of Basque people want independence. They have never been given a chance to vote one way or the other.
A Basque trade unionist claims that “the fact that Kosovo’s gained independence shows that in Europe borders aren’t fixed and the Basque people are taking the case of Kosovo as a precedent for Basque independence”. However, some people on the street confess they are happy to stay part of Spain.
In the meantime, the Basque independence movement has been bloody. Its armed faction ETA has killed an estimated 800 people in the last few decades.
“Although ETA has been weakened by a recent wave of arrests in Spain and France, there’s still concern that this terrorist group could launch more fatal attacks at any time,” believes journalist Gorka Landaburu. Himself a Basque, he became one of ETA’s victims, losing part of his fingers and getting blinded in one eye.
Frustration is intensifying in the Basque country as Spain prepares for its general elections in a few weeks time.
The peace process failed earlier this year and the government has now banned one of the Basque separatist parties Batasuna for not condemning ETA attacks.
discuss it
