ETA seeks talks, Spain Socialists scoff at it

Basque separatist group ETA called for dialogue with Spain8217;s incoming government but pledged to maintain its armed campaign for an independent homeland, according to a new communique. The overture follows PM-elect Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero8217;s surprise win in last week8217;s polls and the March 11 Madrid train bombings, initially blamed on ETA but now linked to Muslim militants.

The Socialists immediately poured cold water on the words of a 8216;8216;terrorist8217;8217; organisation. 8216;8216;We give no validity to a communique from ETA which is a terrorist group,8217;8217; a spokeswoman said. Sources in the moderate nationalist Basque regional government were also unimpressed.

ETA has killed some 840 people in a four-decade struggle for a Basque homeland in northeastern Spain and southwestern France. 8216;8216;We are totally disposed to achieve the solution through dialogue. It is possible via reason and common sense,8217;8217; ETA said, according to a statement, published on Basque paper Gara8217;s website http://www.gara.es. 8212;Reuters