Zapatero optimistic about Basque peace process

The Spanish government remains optimistic that a cease-fire declared this year by the armed Basque group ETA will lead to a definitive peace process, despite increased speculation that ETA might resume attacks, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said on Friday. "Are we better now with a permanent cease-fire or when we had bombs, car bombs and explosions?" Zapatero asked. "This time next year we will be better off than we are today," he said. "The government has worked and is working with the aim of seeing an end to the violence of horror and terror," he added.