top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Crowd demo marks Basque hand-over of arms

20,000 'artisans of peace' in Bayonne on the day ETA's arms caches are revealed

A crowd of up to 20,000 attended a ‘Disarmament Day’ event in Bayonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques as Basque separatist group ETA revealed the location of its arms caches to police.

ETA has been responsible for killing more than 800 people in its 40-year fight for an independent state in northern Spain and southwest France. It declared a ceasefire in 2011.

The organisation promised to disclose where its weapons were hidden and on Saturday police found nearly 3.5tonnes of arms and explosives in eight different locations, including in Gers and Hautes-Pyrénées.

Among those attending the ‘artisans of peace’ event in Bayonne alongside Basque civilians and elected officials, was Reverend Harold Good, who acted as an independent witness to IRA decommissioning in 2005.

"It's been a very significant day today, hugely significant," Mr Good said. "For us in Northern Ireland the decommissioning process opened up new opportunities.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

"I've been coming and going to the Basque country over a number of years now and we've been trying to encourage them towards this day.”

Last week, ETA told the BBC that it had handed over its weapons and explosives to civilian intermediaries, who would hand them over to authorities.

"The French government welcomes this operation, carried out calmly and without violence," French Prime Minister Mr Cazeneuve said in a statement.

"It's a decisive step towards the end of Basque separatist terrorism."

The Spanish government, however, said that handing over the weapons provided zero impunity to those who have committed crimes.

"It will not reap any political advantage or profit," said spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo. "May it disarm, may it dissolve, may it ask forgiveness and help to clear up the crimes which have not been resolved."

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France