This past January 15th the Tánaiste and Minister of Foreign Affairs TD of the Irish Republic, Eamon Gilmore responded in writing to a question presented by the Deputy of Sinn Fein and spokesperson for foreign affairs in the Dail TD Sean Crowe, in relation to the declaration of the Collective of Basque prisoners.

The Minister expressed his knowledge of the declaration and took good note of it (http://www.basquepeaceprocess.info/?p=7049). At the same time he welcomes and encourages all the efforts that have as their objective guaranteeing a definitive peace for the Basque Country.

This past October, a Basque delegation, which included members accused in the different legal processes being carried out against Basque political activists, visited the Commission of Foreign Affairs of the Parliament in Dublin. The delegation had the opportunity to participate in an official manner in the session of the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

At the time, we perceived on the part of the whole of Irish political forces knowledge, comprehension and support for the efforts that from the Basque Country are being carried out to advance the process. We were also witnesses of the incredulity of the persistence of the political trials and repressive measures in the midst of trying to promote a just and lasting peace process.

The public support of the coalition government of Fine Gael/Labour as well as the favourable positions of the opposition formed by Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein (the latter by way of an infinity of initiatives) to the new scenario that is trying to open in the Basque Country are another expression of the international support to a dialogue process through which a definitive resolution to the conflict can be reached.

We sincerely thank the expressions of support to the peace process that from the Irish government and different Irish institutions, including civil society, are being carried out, a sign of the historical binds of friendship that unite both countries.

We are convinced that the majority will articulated by the Basque citizenry and the support of the international community will cause the process to advance in spite of the obstacles that the enemies of peace try to put in place. We encourage the members of the Dail as well as the Irish government to continue their support for the Basque process, convinced that a just and lasting peace benefits not only the country, but also the whole of Europe.