The Basque separatist group Eta has announced a permanent ceasefire in its fight for independence from Spain.
In a statement sent to the media, the group said the truce would be "internationally verifiable".
Eta's campaign for independence for the Basque region has cost more than 800 lives since 1968 but it called a halt to armed attacks last year.
The Spanish government has reacted cautiously to previous claims of a total ceasefire from the group.
Eta said it was "time to act with historical responsibility", so it was declaring "a permanent and general ceasefire which will be verifiable by the international community".
"This is Eta's firm commitment towards a process to achieve a lasting resolution and towards an end to the armed confrontation," said the statement.
There was no reference to demands from the Spanish government that the group also surrender their weapons before any negotiations can take place.
