The Basque separatist group ETA said in its first statement since the terrorist attacks on the United States that it sought peace but not without Basque self-determination.
ETA said it would do everything within its power so that the conflict does not last another 20 years.
A statement published in Basque-language newspapers today said peace was possible, and that ETA's hand would always be open.
Since the US attacks Spanish politicians have increased their calls on ETA to follow the IRA's lead and disarm.
The group’s core demand is for a referendum on Basque independence.
ETA said in its statement it believed the issue of a Basque homeland could be resolved without missiles, in a democratic way, by simply allowing the people to decide.
Successive Spanish governments have refused to negotiate on self-determination, saying it would be a capitulation to the bombers and gunmen and the start of the break-up of Spain.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar slammed ETA on Sunday for not following the IRA lead and laying down its arms.
ETA and the IRA have been close in the past. But amid the deadlock over Basque self-determination, political analysts say there is no sign of ETA ending its campaign in which some 800 people have been killed since 1968.
Aznar rejected attempts by Basque nationalists to compare the Basque Country with Northern Ireland, saying the Basques enjoyed more autonomy than any other region in the world.
ETA's communique criticised Spain and France for rushing to back the US-led military strikes on Afghanistan and Aznar for saying no distinction should be made between ETA and the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks.
ETA often says France is an enemy like Spain, but uses French territory only as a base without carrying out killings there.