Ban welcomes Basque group ETA’s decision to end armed campaign

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the announcement by the Basque separatist group ETA that it would end its protracted campaign of violence.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said he “shares in the hope that ETA [Euskadi ta Askatasuna] 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,” Mr. Ban said, paying tribute to the memory of the more than 800 victims of the group’s violence over the years.

“They and all who have fallen victim to any form of terrorism around the world should not be forgotten.”