Translation of Zapatero's whole speech

amplify image

Spanish president Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero

This a translation by eitb24.com of the speech of the president of the Spanish Government, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero:

"ETA announced the permanent ceasefire the band itself announced on March 2006 is over. In fact, it is a period ended with the attack on Barajas airport in December that killed two Ecuadorian citizens. Today ETA made the same decision it has made in the past, and now, as it did, ETA is again making a mistake. The answer to this new mistake will be the same the Spanish Governments gave in the past, democratic forces and society as a whole. An answer based on the common defence of values and democratic institutions, on the strict application of democracy, the efficiency of state security forces and international cooperation.

"We are a strong country, and Spanish society has shown for too long a time that its pain doesn't weaken its strength, that suffering doesn't diminish its determination. It will show that again, without giving in to any threats and challenges. ETA's decision goes totally in the opposite direction of the path that Basque and Spanish society want, the path of peace. A path that has an only end, the definitive abandonment of weapons, a path that can only be started with the complete renunciation of violence.

"I want to address especially Basque citizens. I made all possible efforts to reach peace and open a coexistence framework for everybody in which every option could be democratically defended and confrontation would be overcome. I know that most Basque citizens are familiar with the real effort of the Government and I want to reaffirm that my greatest hope is the same of the majority of the Spanish and Basque society, to live in peace and freedom.

"The future of Basques is and will be up to them within the framework of law and democracy, and will never be up to terrorist violence. Today I want to assure that the government, with the strength of law and democracy, will use all the means available for the defence of coexistence, freedom and the security of all citizens.

"I'm grateful to all those political groups that unconditionally backed the Government in its compromise throughout this period, and especially with the citizens that voiced their support and confidence on me. I hope the support of political groups is unanimous following ETA's announcement. I will make an effort to get so because that is what the majority of citizens want and what most citizens need.

"The strength of democracy and the word will always defeat totalitarian delirium. I'm sure some day this consideration will prevail even over those who threaten everybody again. Violence will only cause pain, a pain that will last as long as the law, democracy and liberty don't defeat violence, but I'm convinced that sooner or later, Spanish society will definitively conquer peace. I will do my best so that happens as soon as possible."