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MANIFESTO FOR THE BASQUE COUNTRY

This manifesto has been put together by those on hunger strike in Iruñea, and is directed towards all the citizens of the Basque Country:

1- Our initiative has maintained the same objective since its beginning: to denounce the anti-democratic character of the Spanish and French States. Both States permanently violate the Charter of Political and Civil Rights that is gathered within International law.

2- A look at what has happened over the years shows that the Spanish reforms were based in the denial of the existence of the Basque nation- supported by the intransigent and Jacobean stance of the French State- occasioning the systematic violation of rights.

3- This negation is on a general level and can be seen in linguistic, cultural, educational and economic areas.

4- As a consequence of this strategy we also see the freedom of association being attacked; the most recent examples being that of Segi and Askatasuna.

5- We believe that these attacks cannot be seen as isolated incidents. They are attacks against all citizens and it for this reason that these attacks are so serious.

6- Thus, the undersigned don't see this initiative as merely one of showing solidarity with one or other of the organisations, but as a method of demanding where, by challenging the systematic abuse of rights, we can set minimum democratic standards for this country.

7- Definitively, we demand the right to the freedom of association, to live our lives speaking Basque, to develop our own education system, to manage our economic resources and to freely decide our future.

8- This is the basis of our call. We believe that each and every one of us ought to, from their area and through making their own reflections, plan dynamics that advance towards a situation where minimum democratic rights are respected.

9- We take on this commitment because we believe that the Basque Country has the right to live as a free nation in Europe. We aim for a scenario where the rights of all the citizens of this country are respected.

10- Finally we ask you to pass this the contents of this manifesto to those in your town, neighbourhood, school or business.

Iruñea, February 14th 2002, GOSE GREBALARIAK