Armed Basque separatist group Eta says it will not “carry out armed actions” in its campaign for independence.

In a video obtained exclusively by the BBC, the group said it took the decision several months ago “to put in motion a democratic process”.

The Spanish government has not responded. In the past it has said it will only negotiate with Eta if it renounces violence and disarms.

Eta’s violent campaign has led to more than 820 deaths over the past 40 years.

It has called two ceasefires in the past, but abandoned them both.

Under pressure

It is unclear whether Eta is declaring a permanent or temporary ceasefire.

The News:
http://www.bbc.co.uk … orld-europe-11191395

Five people were killed and over 30 injured in Sunday’s attack on a military unit in the southern Russian republic of Dagestan, a law enforcement source reported.

A Zhiguli car packed with explosives and driven by a suicide bomber detonated near the town of Buinaksk after ramming the gates of the military unit, making part of the 136th motorized rifle brigade, early on Sunday. The unit’s guard blocked the car, preventing a larger death toll.

Reports of the number of injured by different sources varied from 33 to 39. Many of those injured were in serious condition.

The Defense Ministry said three people were killed.

A law enforcement source said the power of the explosive device was equivalent to up to 100 kg of TNT.

A second explosion rocked the town as investigators were heading to the site. The second bomb exploded on the way of a police car after the car passed the place where the bomb was planted, so no one was killed or injured.

The News:
http://en.rian.ru/ru … 00905/160471726.html

Officials in Tajikistan say two suicide bombers in an explosives-packed car slammed into a police station in the northern city of Khujand, killing two police officers and wounding some 25 others.

It would appear to be the first suicide bombing in the Central Asian country.

Reports said the toll could rise as investigators continued to search the rubble of the building for the bodies of missing officers.

Interior Ministry officials blamed the attack on elements with ties to the banned Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), whose leadership purportedly has links to Al-Qaeda.

The News:
http://www.rferl.org … eported/2147120.html

Thirteen Gaza militant groups have joined forces to launch a wave of attacks against Israel, Reuters reported on Thursday.

Hamas reportedly announced after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas launched peace talks that the 13 groups would step up “more effective attacks” against Israel.

When asked if the renewed attacks would include suicide bombings, the Hamas spokesman reportedly answered: “All options are open.”

The News:
http://www.jpost.com … ticle.aspx?id=186963

Uganda has deployed an additional 750 peacekeepers in volatile Somalia out of the 2,000 troops, a figure that was agreed to by African Union (AU) to boost the 6,100 strong peacekeeping force in Somalia, a Ugandan army commander said on Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala, Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defense Force, told reporters here, 40km south of the capital Kampala, that 750 troops were already deployed and another 250 will be deployed soon.

He said the deployment was in fulfillment of the country’s pledge following a decision by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in July this year.

The News:
http://www.shabelle. … -deploys-another-750

Al-Shabaab Islamic Movement has announced “final massive” attacks against the transitional government and the AU peacekeepers in Mogadishu as “more militants” from southern and southwestern regions arrive in Mogadishu, reports privately-owned independent Radio Simba.

The additional forces meant to “reinforce al-Shabaab fighters in Mogadishu arrived from Lower, Middle Shabeelle, Juba, Bay and Bakool regions”.

Hisb al-Islam’s district commissioner in Buur Hakaba, southwestern Somalia, has said “many of his fighters left the district and have arrived in Mogadishu to reinforce their brothers fighting against the transitional government”.

The News:
http://www.markacade … 2010/20100901_5e.htm

Azerbaijan and Armenia are blaming each other for the latest clash over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which reportedly killed five soldiers on Tuesday.

Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry says the Armenians tried to attack Azeri forces. The government in Yerevan denies that Armenia was at fault.

Three Armenians and two Azeris are said to have died in an exchange of fire on the front line.

Despite attempts to reach a peace deal, tension has continued to simmer in the conflict that began after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The News:
http://www.euronews. … orno-karabakh-clash/