Failte Abhaile to Arnaldo Otegi

Ógra Shinn Féin Cuige Uladh International officer Barry McNally has welcomed the release of Arnaldo Otegi, who was arrested as leader of Basque political party Batasuna in June 2007.

As Ortegi left the prison near Donestia in the north of the Basque country fellow Basque prisoners saluted Otegi from the windows of the prison as family members, friends and supporters hugged him outside.

Otegi, 50, was jailed in June last year by the Supreme Court for praising veteran ETA leader Jose Miguel Benaran Ordenana, also known as "Argala," at a memorial service in 2003.

Speaking before being driven off in a car following his release Otegi said,

"There is an unresolved problem in this country. I personally consider this problem will only be solved through dialogue and negotiation,"

"Through dialogue and negotiation this country will know peace and democracy that will allow it to take a decision on its future and lead to the release of all Basque political prisoners.”

Speaking following the release of the ex leader of Batasuna international officer for Cuige Uladh, Barry McNally said

“On behalf of Ógra Shinn Féin, I would like to extend a huge failte abhaile to Arnaldo Otegi. We support the call he made for progress and negotiations and furthermore for the release of Basque political prisoners. Amongst those still detained by the Spanish state are the leadership of youth organisation Segi.”

“Ógra Shinn Féin reiterates our call for the immediate release of the Segi leadership. We also call on the Spanish State to end these acts of oppression in the Basque Country and to enter into a meaningful dialogue that will lead to proper conflict resolution and a lasting peace.”