Madrid - The Spanish government yesterday rejected a new call by separatist guerrilla group ETA to bring the issue of independence for the Basque region on to the agenda for peace talks.
Spain has long refused to discuss political issues with ETA, which is currently holding a ceasefire. But the armed group issued a statement last weekend, saying it had sent a letter to the government proposing new talks on issues including its key demand for a referendum on Basque self-rule.