Madrid - The Spanish Prime Minister, Mr Jose Maria Aznar, confirmed yesterday that he had authorised "contacts" to test ETA's willingness to enter negotiations towards a peaceful solution in the Basque Country, writes Jane Walker.
He said the government had become aware in recent weeks of a change in mood of those close to ETA and the time had come to see whether this was genuine.
ETA's declaration of an unconditional truce, made last September, has so far been observed fully. Even the street violence of ETA's youth wing has reduced, leaving the ball in the government's court - a ball it has now returned.