By Windsor Genova

 

Madrid, Spain

Basque separatists declared Thursday that it is ending its armed struggle for an independent homeland in Spain.

Three ETA militants in black shirts, white hoods over their heads and black berets made the declaration on a video posted on the Basque paper Gara's website.

Reading a statement, the three also called on the French and Spanish governments to open dialogues to resolve the conflict and overcome armed confrontations.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero welcomed the ETA announcement calling it a "victory for democracy."

The announcement follows a conference by peace negotiators not coming from both sides on Monday in San Sebastian in northern Spain. Among the negotiators is Irish nationalist Sinn Fein party president Gerry Adams.

ETA also declared a unilateral ceasefire in January.

The group's armed struggle caused more than 800 deaths since its formation during the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco.

World - Spain: ETA Separatists Declare Cease Fire | Global Viewpoint