Mariano Rajoy has signalled once again his determination to destroy the peace process unless ETA and Batasuna fully renounce all forms of violence.

Since the initial ceasefire on 22 March 2006 Rajoy gradually decreased his vocal and absolute objection to peace talks on these grounds until the Madrid bombing of 30 December 2006.

Like every change, it is easy to forgive once and perhaps twice. However Rajoy speaks with understanding when he comments that peace is only peace when it abides by the law.

Batasuna is still banned and there is little hope of it becoming legal in Europe while the French maintain their objections. ETA as a group has shown itself to be in little better shape now than in April 2006 a month after the original ceasefire was announced.

If ETA is serious about peace their only recourse is in collaboration with the authorities to bring to justice those who plated the Madrid bomb. If this does not happen then it will need another three years of peace before faith can be restored to that of pre December 2006 levels.