Premier to Open Talks With Rebels

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar authorized talks with groups linked to the militant Basque separatist group ETA, the first time his government has taken steps to negotiate an end to a 30-year conflict. The move came six weeks after the separatists declared a cease-fire. Responding to Aznar’s announcement, Herri Batasuna--the political coalition linked to ETA--issued a statement saying dialogue and negotiation are “the only valid way� to resolve the conflict, which has killed more than 800 people. Groups close to ETA said its cease-fire was modeled on peace efforts in Northern Ireland.