Brussels, 03/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - Members of the Belgian parliament went to the Bask country for an informal mission on 8-12 February 2009. The visit did not have a political objective but sought instead to provide an eye-witness account of the difficult situation experienced by current or potential ETA victims. MEPs were highly shocked by the breaches of fundamental freedoms. The freedom of expression and association are denied to a number of people, including elected representatives, journalists and university lecturers. These people are obliged to employ body guards who remain at their side day and night. They also have to live outside town in perpetual fear for their lives and those of their families.
Christine Defraigne, a member of both the Walloon parliament and that of the French Community asked “what is Europe and the Council of Europe doing” with regard to this situation? Jean Cornil, federal deputy and member of the Belgian Socialist party underlined the lack of knowledge about the situation.
George Dallemagne, a Belgian federal deputy said that elected representatives in the Bask country had asked them to try and understand exactly what ETA really meant. Some Europeans, especially nationalists, consider ETA as the people fighting the remnants of Franco's dictatorship, whereas Mr Dallemagne said ETA were in fact “murderers and terrorists”. Most Europeans are unaware of the seriousness of the situation.
At the end of their visit, Belgian parliamentarians agreed on the provide testimony on the violence and deplorable conditions regarding human rights, and help create an association to help victims who have not as yet been recognised as such. (E.M./transl.rh)