Tens of thousands of Basques have marched in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao in rival demonstrations to demand self-rule.

Politicians who support greater autonomy for the northern Basque region led a mass rally urging the separatist organisation, ETA, to restore a ceasefire it ended last month.

They called on the Spanish and French governments to discuss self-determination for the Basque region, which extends into both countries.

An equally strong group of ETA supporters demanded self-determination and the release of the organisation's prisoners. ETA has been fighting a violent campaign for Basque autonomy for thirty years.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service