Basque separatist group ETA announces a ceasefire.<br /><br />The video statement appeared on the website of Basque-language newspaper Gara, but did not say whether the ceasefire was permanent or temporary.<br /><br />The group has fought over four decades to carve out an independent Basque state in northern Spain and southern France. <br /><br />Spain's interior ministry declined to comment on the announcement. <br /><br />ETA said it made the decision several months ago to stop armed actions. But the group still pressed supporters to continue working for their cause. <br /><br />Madrid residents reacted to the news with a mix of cautious optimism and skepticism. <br /><br />[Jimenez, Madrid Resident]: <br />"If it is not true and it is an illusion, it is worthless. To me, it seems good, any means to stop terrorism is good; that is important to all Spaniards." <br /><br />"I think that it is not credible. It is going to be what they usually do. I don't know how to tell you. I think it is false, it is a cover. I'm not against it but there have been several occasions in which it has been announced and it always has been the same." <br /><br />ETA's fight for independence has left some 850 people dead over the years.<br /><br />The group has become crippled in recent years with the arrests of senior leaders. <br />A ceasefire was called in 2006, but fell apart after ETA detonated a car bomb at Madrid's airport.
