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Basque Premier, Patxi López, has hailed as "positive" the latest statement from nationalist leftwing group Sortu in which it condemns the "alleged" plans by ETA to target him for attack, as well as recent incidents of street violence.

In an interview with Spanish National Radio, the head of the Basque executive stressed that this was "the first time" the Basque nationalist leftwing had condemned either an attempt to target individuals or acts carried out by the so-called ''kale borroka''.

As a consequence, the Basque Premier believes that "democrats" should "feel happy" because the pressure exerted by them and their policy of "zero tolerance" is "causing the Basque nationalist left" to move in the direction required of them.

Furthermore, López highlighted the fact that Sortu "says that these principles are not the result of tactics for entering the next elections" but are "adopted principles", that "there is not political price on peace".

"I want to believe them, believe that the Basque nationalist left has taken on board, because we have insisted on it, that if they really want to take part in politics, they only have one way: the democratic way and everything that conveys," said López.

Reaction to the arrest of ETA''s ''military chief''

The Basque Premier also spoke about Thursday''s arrest of ETA''s alleged military chief, Alejandro Zobaran Arriola, Xarla, and three other suspected members of the armed organisation. López said he considered the news to be "important" and "happy" because it marks another step towards a definitive end to the armed group.

"It is an important piece of news and also a happy one because another arrested terrorist signifies another step towards a permanent end to the organisation, which is becoming increasingly weaker," he said.

The head of the Basque Government finally stressed that ETA "has not announced their disappearance" but "a ceasefire" and both the Spanish and Basque Governments have made it clear that they will not "lower their guard for a single moment".

"This they have demonstrated," he added.