ETA’S DOCUMENT has been expected, at least in terms of its content: He accepted the demands of the declarations of Gernika and Brussels and that was it. Concise and concise, also to be grateful. As in all such specific texts, everything indicates that behind every word there is a great work of cooking. But the most important request for this process to continue is in the document: a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire that can be verified by the international community. That's what he asked for and that's what he gave.

From there we enter the field of possible readings. ETA does say what the solution should be based on – territoriality and self-determination – but it does not have conditions for the flow, the procedure, the ceasefire itself or for political purposes. Rather, it makes it clear that the tools for resolving the conflict are dialogue and negotiation and that the democratic process must take place in these coordinates. He does not say that he adheres to the Mitchell Principles, but he approaches them at his disposal.

The same could happen with regard to the declarations of Guernica and Brussels. The document does not say that it adheres to these two texts. He points out that in Brussels and Gernika, significant international figures and numerous social actors insist that the conflict needs a just and democratic solution, to which ETA adheres (more precise in Spanish, coincide). But clearly, it does not say that it agrees with the statement, but with the need to resolve the conflict.

The Gernika Declaration calls for a permanent and verifiable ceasefire for ETA, which is undoubtedly important. But at the same time, he was asked to place these measures within a process that would put the armed struggle on the path of extinction. We don’t know if this is the case or not, but the document states that this truce is “ETA’s firm commitment to the process of final resolution and the end of the armed confrontation” and this can indicate a linguistic approach in the direction of that end of the armed struggle that is demanded of it in Gernika. Undoubtedly, it is not tender, since everything from a moment on is interpretative and the interpretations are made according to the enthusiasm, beliefs and information that each one has.

It often seems to be forgotten, but until now ETA was also in the truce, however, this time will be verifiable and also general. And it will be necessary to see whether this general affects all its activity, such as the revolutionary tax or the supply works.ETA

has taken a very important step like never before in history and that is what must be valued. In recent months there has been an unusual media campaign around this document, which has led to the impression that, in the eyes of public opinion, anything other than the disappearance of ETA is irrelevant. Well, you have to say it out loud that this is a strong step and in the right direction as well. It would be better if ETA announced the end of the armed struggle tomorrow, but the reality is not that, and all the steps that go in the right direction are welcome. You will say what you want, but a year ago few expected this situation. Now it is up to us to nurture this process that will lead us, little by little, to peace, to citizens, social agents and politicians.
You will hear the usual, that this is not enough, that ETA knows what it has to say and things like that. Okay, yeah, but now it's PSOE's turn, now the ball's on its roof too. It’s also time to show some commitment and encouragement. After this document the process can continue, the train is in motion again, and now we have to get people on board, because the next stop is peace.