Spanish right-wing marches against Basque peace talks

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

MADRID (AFP) — Spain's right-wing opposition and other conservative groups marched through Madrid evening to protest at the Socialist government's plans for peace talks with armed Basque separatist group ETA.

The march, organized by the Association of Victims of Terrorism (AVT) and backed by the right-wing Popular Party (PP), brought together people opposed to plans by Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero to start peace talks with ETA, following the latter's declaration of a permanent ceasefire.

The PP claimed 1.1 million people turned out for the march under the banner of "Negotiations, not in my name", but police put the number at 200,000.

They gathered in Madrid's Plaza de Colon (Columbus Square) at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT) brandishing placards saying...