September 11, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many Spaniards discard the notion that allowing outright sovereignty to the Basque Country would bring an end to political violence, according to a poll by Sigma Dos published in El Mundo. 53.1 per cent of respondents disagree with granting independence to the Basque Country in exchange for the end of terrorism.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many Spaniards discard the notion that allowing outright sovereignty to the Basque Country would bring an end to political violence, according to a poll by Sigma Dos published in El Mundo. 53.1 per cent of respondents disagree with granting independence to the Basque Country in exchange for the end of terrorism.

In March 2006, the separatist armed group Basque Motherland and Liberty (ETA) announced a "permanent ceasefire" and urged the "authorities in Spain and France" to "approach the issue in a positive manner, and leave repression aside." ETA has killed more than 840 people since 1959, in the fight to form an independent state encompassing the Spanish regions of Navarra and the Basque Country, as well as areas in south-western France. The Spanish government—headed by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero of the Socialist Worker’s Party (PSOE)—established contacts with the group.

On Dec. 30, a car bomb exploded inside Madrid’s Barajas International Airport, killing two people. In January 2007, Zapatero confirmed that his government’s talks with ETA were over. In June, ETA declared the end of the "permanent ceasefire", alleging that the "minimum conditions have not been met to continue the process of negotiations."

On Aug. 24, ETA detonated a car bomb in Durango. On Sept. 2, Zapatero vowed to fight the armed group, saying, "We will be implacable against violence. I did all I could to establish a dialogue. ETA will achieve nothing in this country with violence or bombs."

Polling Data

Would you agree to the independence of the Basque Country in exchange for the end of terrorism?

Yes	35.3%
No	53.1%

Source: Sigma Dos / El Mundo

Methodology: Telephone interviews with 800 Spanish adults, conducted from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2007. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.