Jonathan Powell
The Aiete Conference in San Sebastian ten years ago was a crucial moment for peace in the Basque country. The group of international figures who came together on that day launched an appeal to ETA and to the Spanish government to take the necessary steps to secure a lasting peace, and the response a few days later made what has happened since in the Basque country possible.
I want to pay tribute to the Lokarri association for taking the initiative to organise the conference and to all those who participated for the part they played. I would like to single out former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, now sadly departed, for the risks he took and the determination he showed in taking part in the face of personal criticism. And I would also like to acknowledge the work and efforts of all those who still remain unknown to the public for the roles they played behind the scenes in making the successful outcome possible.
It took longer than any of us would have wished to finally deal with the problem of weapons and the ending of ETA, but now that too is done, and, while full reconciliation and putting history behind us will take time, the Basque country is now living at peace and with a bright future. What has been achieved is not just unalloyed good news for Spain but also for Europe. It provides lessons which we in Europe can share with others to help them bring about peace elsewhere in the world.
This is a day to celebrate and to remember there is no such thing as an insoluble conflict, however difficult they may seem, only conflicts that have not yet been resolved. It is our duty to work to bring them to a peaceful conclusion too just as Aiete did in the Basque country.