According to an interview published by Basque newspaper Deia (Madrid''s El País also reflected the Basque politician opinions on Sunday) to founder and member of first ETA management Julen Madariaga, the Basque armed group "would disappear in the short to medium term."

"ETA was born due to political reasons, " he said. "Its end should start by paying attention to the popular will."

He recalled that the Basque armed group "has not the citizenship''s support," and insisted on the fact that "ETA itself should find a dignified end" for the conflict.

In Madariaga''s opinion, negotiations should be conducted without any claims of "glorious victories for the enemy."

"The vast majority of Basque people, and even the very Basque-leftists, require the cessation of violence for any process that wants to be successful,'''' he added.

Madariaga also said that, although it may be denied, "there will be some kind of relation between ETA and the government, directly or indirectly.''''