Political wing calls for ETA-Spain talks

MADRID, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The chief of the banned political wing of the Basque separatist ETA implored the group to keep its cease-fire with Spain despite the recent airport bombing.

Batasuna leader Arnaldo Otegi said ETA and the government should continue their peace talks, EFE news agency reported.

Last week Spanish officials announced the talks were canceled after the Madrid airport bombing blamed on ETA.

The bombing left two people dead and 19 injured.

For three decades, ETA militants have been fighting for a Basque homeland along the French-Spanish border. Their attacks have claimed some 850 lives.