The situation that Euskal Herria is living is not exactly one of normality. As a result, the existence of an organisation promoting a rapprochement between the different positions is of great necessity. Elkarri is sufficiently patient and courageous to take on such a project, and has set about it. Abertzaleen Batasuna can only applaud the determination of Elkarri and the work that this organisation has done to date.

We would also like to emphasise that AB's political project, its commitment and our members are perfectly compatible and comparable with those who are ideologically furthest from us. This is demonstrated by our political practice and our participation in the Peace Conference, together with the contributions we have made to it.

Respect for others is fully coherent with our political project, and we have made this clear over the last few months to the representatives of Elkarri and to those of the political forces that are taking part in the Conference.

Mutual respect should be the core value around which political debate takes place. We will continue to mobilise until this desire has been materialised so that, hopefully in the near future, further Peace Conferences will not be necessary.

June 2002