30,000 Rally for Basque Separatism

Thousands of supporters of the Basque separatist group ETA marched in San Sebastian in their first large gathering since the nation spurned the group for killing a politician. The leaders of Herri Batasuna, the political wing of the ETA, led marchers through the streets of this Atlantic resort city as they shouted slogans in Basque supporting the ETA and independence from Spain. Police said at least 30,000 people participated in the march--nowhere near the 3 million Spaniards who spilled onto the streets two weeks ago to protest the ETA slaying of Basque town councilor Miguel Angel Blanco. The rally in San Sebastian ended peacefully with addresses from leaders of Herri Batasuna, which is backed by between 10% and 15% of voters in the three-province, northern Basque region.