Just before being banned Batasuna had

The Spanish government should learn a lesson from Northern Ireland not even consider lagalising them until the threat of terrorism is gone.

As for "unlike Northern Ireland where there is a mechanism in place for implementing constitutional change by means of a regional referendum." This applies to all the regions of the U.K.

Just before being banned Batasuna had less than 1% of the popular vote in Spain and even in their heartland, were only getting 8%-18% of the vote. They do not enjoy the support of the vast majority of the support of most Basque people, who actually despise them.

The Spanish government should learn a lesson from Northern Ireland not even consider lagalising them until the threat of terrorism is gone.

As for "unlike Northern Ireland where there is a mechanism in place for implementing constitutional change by means of a regional referendum." This applies to all the regions of the U.K.

Since Zapatero was actually, as you point out George, responding to "a call from Batasuna.. to open talks", surely it would be more accurate to say that Batasuna are seeking to be let in from 'the cold'?

Keithm,
do the Scottish and Welsh parliaments have the authority to ask for regional referendums on their constitutional position within the UK?

Peteb,
I agree you could look at it that way but I used bring in as it could also be argued that the recent moves towards autonomy by the Basque regional parliament and the looming constitutional crisis that a regional referendum would bring are the reasons why Zapatero has decided to move now.

It's perfectly possible to argue that line, George, but there is a huge difference between those two interpretations. Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between.

It will be interesting to see if Sinn Féin comment upon developements such as Basques put forward plan to break away from Madrid and the Colombia-Venezuela row, Batasuna/ETA and FARC, or if they will keep their heads down.

Its quite sickening. All these talks show is that terrorism works.

George "do the Scottish and Welsh parliaments have the authority to ask for regional referendums on their constitutional position within the UK?". That question is irrelevant. Any decisions on a referendum on the status of N.I., Scotland and Wales rest with H.M.G.

Let's not forget that just a couple of years ago the UUP, the DUP and SF/IRA were all calling for a referendum and Reid decided to ignore them.

A carefully timed sequence of events perhaps?

The Basque terrorist group ETA has said it is
ready for talks with the Madrid government on the conflict in the Basque region, according to a statement from the group published in
Basque media on Sunday.

While the ETA statement supports proposals put forward two months ago by its political wing Batsuna (Unity), including political
dialogue with Madrid and a referendum in the Basque country to decide on whether it remains part of Spain, it makes no mention of a
ceasefire.

The Spanish government has said however it will not embark on a political process with ETA until the group disarms, citing its 1998
ceasefire and attempt at peace talks which stalled after 14 months.

"You cannot talk to someone with a gun in their hand," Spanish Defence Minister Jose Bono said Sunday responding to ETA's statement.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez said he supported the talks in principal, but they could only happen if ETA ended its
campaign of terror and violence.

It is relevant Keithm,
There is a mechanism in place to hold a regional referendum in Northern Ireland.
Reid ignored them because his remit was to call a referendum if it appeared clear there was a majority for change. There wasn't so no referendum.
There is no mechanism in place in Scotland or Wales.