Basque terror group’s apology to its victims

BASQUE terrorists asked their victims for forgiveness for the first time yesterday.

The apology from ETA, which killed more than 800 people over five decades before a permanent ceasefire in 2011, was published in a regional newspaper.

‘We have caused great pain throughout this long period of armed struggle. We know this harm cannot be mended,’ the group said in its statement.

‘We wish to express our respect to all the victims of ETA’s actions, in that they were harmed as a consequence of the conflict, whether they were killed, injured or harmed in any other way.

‘We are truly sorry. We ask the forgiveness of these people and their relatives.’

ETA was founded in 1959 in an attempt to win the Basque region independence from Spain. It is expected to be formally dissolved next month.

The government of Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy said the apology vindicated his refusal to compromise.

‘This is a consequence of the strength of the state of law that has conquered ETA with the arms of democracy,’ it said.

Maria del Mar Blanco, leader of victims’ campaign group AVT, pointed out that ETA’s call for forgiveness did not extend to those the group considered legitimate targets, such as police officers and politicians.

‘I find it shameful and immoral that they should make a distinction,’ he said.