Basque Separatists Launch New Party

A screen grab of Basque separatists declaring a ceasefire in September.

The banned political wing of the Basque separatist group ETA says it has formed a new political party that rejects the use of violence.

The leader of Batasuna political wing, Rufi Etxeberria, said the new party intends to contest elections. Spain's municipal elections are set for May.

He said the party’s name will be announced on February 8,

Batasuna has been banned since 2003 because of its links to ETA, which is blamed for hundreds of deaths during its more that 40-year campaign for Basque independence.

The group has not carried out an attack since its announcement of a ceasefire in September.

compiled from agency reports