The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande Marlaskaparticipated this Tuesday in Vitoria in the International Conference of Victims of Terrorism organized by the UN, during which, in the presence of the King Felipe VI and relatives of ETA victims recalled that the Government has a “commitment» with them and the “will” of respect “their dignity”. A speech which comes in the middle of an agreement between the Government and its partner EH Bildu to carry out legal reform which will reduce the sentences of nearly fifty imprisoned ETA members. That same Tuesday, the PSOE refused to withdraw this reform.
“I want to reaffirm our commitment to victims of terrorism and our desire to take new measures for its recognition, claim of their memory and respect for their dignity», Underlined Marlaska in his speech, opening the speaking time of the Spanish representatives. In front of him, an auditorium filled with victims of international terrorism, but also that of ETA.
“Spain is a country hard hit by terrorism, which since 1960 has caused more than 1,400 dead», noted Marlaska. The minister continued his speech by ensuring that he “proudly proclaims that the victims of terrorism increasingly constitute a fundamental asset in the generation of a Spanish society.” increasingly resilient in the face of terrorism.
“For the Spanish government, memory policies are a very valuable instrument, not only for reasons of justice which protect the memory and dignity of the victimss, but as a reminder of the tragedy as a mechanism to prevent it from happening again,” Marlaska said in her speech.
Exit plan
Meanwhile, the PSOE This Tuesday in the Senate, he refused to modify the law which would benefit more than 40 ETA prisoners reduce their sentences and bring their release closer. The PP, which has an absolute majority in the Upper House, sent a letter on Tuesday to the Council of Senate Spokespersons asking for unanimity of the groups to withdraw Sumar’s amendments to the legal reform that would reduce the sentences of deputies. prisoners of the ETA terrorist group. “The PSOE and all its partners refused to sign the petition of the PPby aligning with the interests of Bildu and ETA prisoners», assure internal sources of the popular.
The training led by Alberto Nuñez Feijóo refers to Rule 125 of the Senate Rules, which states that the text of a bill can be amended if it is agreed to by all groups in the upper chamber. In the end, there was no such unanimity, as reported by popular. Despite this, the PP asserted its absolute majority in the Senate to postpone the vote on this legal reform, even if it will not be able to postpone it beyond October 14. From the Feijóo formation, they defend that they will continue “to study all political, parliamentary and legal to stop this reform“.
“We cannot resign ourselves to damage of this scale to society as a whole, but first and foremost to the victims of terrorism,” stressed the PP spokesperson in the Senate. Alicia Garcia. “At the Council of Spokespersons, and under Article 125, we tried to correct this situation by proposing to the rest of the groups the proposed modification to eliminate Articles 12 and 14 from the text of the Project. We did not get this support, but we want to give all possible margin during the emergency period for the withdrawal of this bill. Margin to political groups. they can reconsider their position and room for the government to withdraw this bill which has been completely distorted,” he said.
The words of the king
After Marlaska, King Felipe VI also called on Tuesday to maintain unity in the fight against terrorism and in the defense of victims, stressing that their rights and needs are “a priority for Spain”.
During his speech at this United Nations International Conference on Victims of Terrorism, held between Tuesday and Wednesday in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the monarch recalled the victims of the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, which occurred a year ago year. “On a day like today, we cannot stop thinking about those who died, injured and kidnapped during these attacks,” he stressed.
Felipe VI stressed that “these acts of violence, cruel and relentless, have generated a spiral of horror that continues to affect the Middle East and our consciences.” He added that the situation “challenges all of us”, emphasizing the urgency of a horizon of peace and security in the region.
After this reference to the conflict in the Middle East, the king thanked the testimonies of the victims present at the conference, stressing that, despite their pain and loss, they represent “true courage and dignity”. In addition, he praised his commitment to freedom and human solidarity as an “ethical beacon” for society.
Finally, Felipe VI urged citizens and institutions not to forget the victims, to help them overcome their physical and psychological injuries and to improve, wherever possible, their situation.
