Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 23 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 March 2006. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 March 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

ETA

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the ceasefire declared by ETA; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said publicly on 22 March, the Government welcome the announcement of a permanent cease-fire by ETA, which took effect on 24 March. We hope to see the commitments made in ETA's statement delivered and hope that ETA has turned its back on terrorism for good.All internal decisions about talks are entirely a matter for the parties on the ground. However, the Spanish government is aware of the UK's full support and that we stand ready to help in any way we can.

Secondary information