The Basque trade union LAB issued a statement welcoming the call by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. The statement said: "LAB believes that this declaration could open the door to a new scenario that leads to lasting peace.

We believe that a democratic solution to the Kurdish question can be achieved through dialogue. For this reason, we support and recognise the efforts made by all political, social and trade union actors to present this proposal for a new era, where peace and democratic society take center stage and a solution to the political conflict in Kurdistan can be achieved."

The statement added: "LAB is aware that the path ahead will not be easy and will not be free of obstacles, but for this reason we will always stand with the Kurdish people and their just demands.

We also request freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, as it would be a good step towards finding a solution, and we express our willingness to stand alongside the Kurdish people on the path they freely and democratically decide to take to achieve freedom."