... in the hope that ETA is committed to bringing this tragic chapter for Spain to an end...United Nations (ANTARA News/AFP) - UN leader Ban Ki-moon on Friday called on Spanish militants ETA to permanently lay down their arms after the Basque separatist group said they would end their attacks.
"The Spanish people have endured over 40 years of violence at the hands of ETA," Ban said through his spokesman Martin Nesirky.
"The secretary general shares in the hope that ETA is committed to bringing this tragic chapter for Spain to an end. There should be an end to violence and a permanent laying down of arms," he added.
Ban paid tribute to the memory of the more than 800 people who died in ETA attacks over the past four decades. "They and all who have fallen victim to any form of terrorism around the world should not be forgotten."
ETA announced on Thursday that it was ending its separatist campaign of bombing and shootings against Spain's government. (M014)
Editor: Ade P Marboen
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