International Conference on Self-Determination

CONSEU (Conference of Stateless Nations of Europe) and Udalbiltza, assembly of Basque municipalities, have organized this weekend the International Conference called "Self-determination and diversity in the twenty-first century. Peoples' rights within the framework of human rights". Among the speakers there were three Catalan people:
- Aureli Argemí a veteran activist for the rights of stateless nations from the entity CIEMEN,
- the attorney August Gil Matamala former president of the Association of Democratic Lawyers -- Josep Cruanyes a leading member of the Platform for the Right to decide.
Basque intervention correspond to the Udalbiltza’s president, Loren Arkotxa, the professor Julen Zabalo and Amoroto’s former mayor Marii Ugarterubu.
Apart from Basques and Catalans the conference involved other national delegations. An Irish one from Sinn Féin, a Kurdish one from KNK (Kurdistan Parliament in exile), the lawyer Breton Yann Chouq a long history militant and Rafael Quispe from Bolivia. Quispe heads the Indian national movement called the National Council of Ayllus and Markas from Qollasuyu and has a good relationship with the MAS of Evo Morales. Finally will also intervene William Bowrin lawyer and expert on Eastern Europe self-determinations process. Bowrick is professor at Birkbeck University (London) and President of the European Association of Lawyers for rights and democracy.
 It was a good opportunity to discuss the processes open in the world for the establishment of new states based on national realities. And also to talk about the means of self-determination that is democracy at its purest form. Neither we will remain silent just before the imposition of some undemocratic states. Self-determination is democracy.