Viewpoint: Basques see new hope

People in the Basque Country are wary of the latest ceasefire

The permanent ceasefire announced by the militant Basque separatist group Eta has met with cautious optimism in the Basque Country.

Political columnist Alberto Surio, of the Basque daily Diario Vasco - whose offices and staff have been targeted by Eta in the past - spoke to the BBC News website about the mood in the region.

The reaction has been one of happiness and satisfaction. There is also optimism, but with some caution and prudence because we remember that in 1998 there was also a truce and when it later broke it caused a lot of frustration.

So generally people are happy, but viewing it with a certain amount of mistrust.

This statement is the fruit of a long process. The radical left is also aware that the terrorist route is a hindrance to its political aims and political development.

It is also down to a change in the pressure from the police and legal pressure - such as the banning of Batasuna. There has also been change within Basque society - an important change where support for violence has notably fallen.

And also the result of secret contact between the Socialist Party and the nationalist left. Clearly there have been secret talks in last few years, there certainly were four years ago, and these have been very important in getting this ceasefire declaration.

Nationalist sentiment is widespread and the majority view in the Basque country. But Basque society is also very varied in terms of identity, ideology and political views.

I think it is a little premature to talk about what could happen in the future.

But I believe we are at the start of a new process. People generally view yesterday's statement positively.

Without violence the political parties will have to talk to create a new model. This will let us see exactly how it is possible to get nearer to what until now has been offered in terms of our right to self-determination.

In this new model we will see how we can bring together, and make compatible, very different political projects regarding this right to self-determination.