The armed separatist group ETA has reportedly made an appeal for international help to end conflict over the Basque region in northern Spain.
A statement said to be from the group has been sent to media organisations and embassies. It calls on the international community to take action to bring about a negotiated solution to the conflict.

However, the terrorist organisation made no mention of any willingness to give up violence, which the Spanish government says is a pre-condition for any talks.

Only last month police found ETA explosives near Zaragoza airport.
The latest statement from the group says the international community cannot "detach" itself from what it calls "the serious situation suffered by the Basque country".

Spain's ruling Socialist Party has dismissed the communiqué.

ETA has killed nearly 850 people since 1968 in a bombing and shooting campaign for an independent Basque state.

PHOTO CAPTION

Two of the fifty six suspects on trial for alleged membership of Basque Separatist Group ETA shake hands during the first day of the trial in Madrid's High Court. (AFP)