Since the middle of Franco's regime, Spain has been at odds in dealing with organized Basque rebels, intent on creating a self governing homeland in Basque Country, known as Euskal Herria in the Basque language. The Basques are an indigineous ethnic group, among the oldest western European inhabitants of the region, with a distinct language and culture. The Basque Country, a number of provinces bordering France and Spain, is their most populated region. It is here that the organization known as ETA, in English Basque Homeland and Freedom, has taken up an armed struggle against the Spanish government in seeking a status resembling independence for their native land. Responsible for some 900 deaths, they also claim torture by Spanish anti-terror organizations, during a 1980s crackdown targeting their organization. As of June 5, 2007, their ceasefire with Spain came to an official end. It had been reached just a year ealier, in March 2006.
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