Euzkadi Ta Askatasuna
(ETA)

                            "The Statute of Autonomy, popularly known as the Statute of
                                Guernica, passed on December 18, 1979, begins by stating that
                                    "the Basques, or Euskal Herria, as the expression of their
                                 nationality, shall be constituted as an Autonomous Community
                                     within Spain, under the name of Euskadi, or the Basque
                                 Country, in accordance with the present Statute which is their
                                                        basic institutional instrument."
 
 
 
 

        ETA emerged during Franco's regime beginning in 1937. Franco believed in a purely united Spanish Country, and the Basques clearly did not. The Basque people, or Euskadi, had been holding onto their own culture and identity long before any Europeans settled in Europe. There are even records that Basques traveled to North America before Christopher Columbus, and made up the majority of his crew in his voyage. Throughout the centuries many people have tried to assimilate the Basques into other cultures, all have failed. This culture was what ETA was born to protect. However, once Franco fell, the new Spanish government gave the Basque region, comprising Pais Vasco and Navarra, control over education, police, basic government for the region, and the use of their own ancient language. This has not been enough for ETA, who desire a completely independent nation and are willing to get it through the killing of political figures and people who speak out against them, even Basques. They want to have all the Basque prisoners that are held in jails in Spain and in France released and returned to the Basque region.
        In total, ETA has been responsible for the deaths of over 800 people over the past 33 years. With the exception of a 14 month cease-fire from 1998-1999, they have kept up a steady killing rate. They are known for their kidnappings, shootings, and many car bombs which have taken many victims, and for always exploding the getaway car to destroy any evidence. They have been a group that has been extremely hard to catch, with leaders unknown. Their prey have mainly been political figures, judges, newsmen and any others who speak out against them. Since the end of the cease-fire in 1999, ETA has stepped up its attack. As of July 2001, ETA had killed over 30 people since they ended the cease-fire. The killings have only increased in recent years.
        However, this year the Spanish government has begun to crack down on suspected ETA members throughout Spain and France. The increased involvement was partially spurred on by ETA's announcement that it would begin hitting Spanish tourism. Since the announcement there have been over ten bombings along the coast, including cities in the Costa del Sol and in San Sebastian. The tourist industry in Spain is ranked among the largest in the world and so it is no wonder that the government has become increasingly wary.
        In the end, ETA has lost a lot of support from the people of Spain and the Basque people themselves. It is an organization that is seen as too radical and violent. Many rallies and protests against the endless killings have been held all over Spain, with thousands of people flocking to the streets. Not all disagree with the idea of a separate country for the Basque people, but they disagree with ETA's methods. Despite the loss of popularity among the majority of people, ETA has grown more popular within the young people of Pais Vasco and Navarra. In these parts, where over 90% of children attend Euskera schools, some parents are worried that their children will join ETA. They in part blame teachers, who give the message that the new generation is the one that needs to take control and fight for the independence of their homeland. This philosophy has taken hold again with many children, but there is still a majority who do not agree with the practices of terrorism. Most people still want an independent Basque nation, they just don't want it at the price ETA's willing to pay.