Government requests extradition of member of terrorist group ETA, José Antonio Urruticoechea, from France

The Council of Ministers requested the extradition of the member of the terrorist group ETA, José Antonio Urruticoechea Bengoechea, 'Josu Ternera', from France, arrested there on 19 May. The extradition request comes from Central Investigation Court number 2 of the National High Court where he is accused of an alleged offence of perpetrating a terrorist attack resulting in death, 10 offences of murder and 63 offences of attempted murder in the car bomb attack on a Guardia Civil barracks in Zaragoza in 1987.

The Acting Minister for Education and Vocational Training, and Government Spokesperson, Isabel Celaá, referred to ETA as the "deadliest terrorist group that has operated in Spain", and claimed that "those who inflicted so much pain can see today that justice will always demand accountability from them".

Isabel Celaá particularly recalled "the innocent people who were killed" and echoed the recognition paid to them on Thursday in the Lower House of Parliament during a day of tribute to the victims of terrorism. The minister also thanked all democrats, the State law enforcement agencies and "those who through politics contributed to do away with this nightmare" for their work in bringing ETA to an end.

Institutional statement on the occasion of LGBTI National Pride Day

Pool Moncloa/César P SendraThe government approved an institutional statement to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in 1969, which are considered to have marked the beginning of the struggle for the rights of LGTBI people.

The text asserts the majority will of society to maintain and develop the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTI people at a national and international level, and pays tribute to those who have fought and made sacrifices to defend their dignity.

The Government Spokesperson regretted that there are still millions of people around the world who seek to claim their rights not to be discriminated against for their sexual orientation or gender identity. "Their struggle is ours, their freedom is that of us all", she stated, "and it not only has a symbolic value, but amounts to justice, particularly now, when we can see how some sectors are proposing a regression in the recognition of equality".

Spain meets the recommendations on combatting corruption

The Council of Ministers received a report from the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (Greco) announcing its decision to remove Spain from its periodic supervision mechanism, where it has been since 2016. This body considers that Spain has met, or partially met, 10 out of 11 recommendations at a parliamentary level, in the judiciary and the public prosecution service.

Isabel Celaá described no longer being subject to this supervisory mechanism as "good news" and that Spain is considered to be a "fully democratic" country.

Aid for the citrus sector

The Council of Ministers approved a Royal Decree establishing the regulatory terms and conditions and the call for subsidies to facilitate access to credit to owners of agricultural holdings that develop their activity in the field of orange, mandarin or lemon production.

Spain is the main exporter of citrus fruits in Europe, and the sixth leading exporter in the world. However, explained Isabel Celaá, the sector is in the midst of a campaign characterised by an excessive supply and "very low prices" that are even less than the costs of production.

The subsidies approved, which may be applied for as from its publication in the Official Journal of Spain, are designed to alleviate this situation and are framed within the Plan of Measures for the citrus sector that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food implemented in April.

Current affairs

The Government Spokesperson conveyed a message "of encouragement" to those effected and evacuated as a result of the serious fires in Tarragona and Lleida and "thanked" those who are working to put them out.

Isabel Celaá highlighted the collaboration between the fire-fighters of the Regional Government of Catalonia, the Military Emergency Unit and other groups mobilised by the Government of Spain: "We are all working together and fighting to put this fire out: this is the best message of security and guarantee that we can transmit to all those people of Catalonia and Spain".

As regards the investiture of the Acting President of the Government and candidate to the presidency, Pedro Sánchez, Isabel Celaá announced that he will notify the Speaker of the Lower House on Tuesday, 2 July of the date on which he will outline the government's political programme and call for the confidence of the House.

The Government Spokesperson confirmed that Josep Borrell will continue to hold office as the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, after giving up his MEP seat.

Non official translation