If talking to ETA (hard though it may be) provides a step along the pathway to peace, surely it is worth taking that step. There is a similar situation in Northern Ireland where at least we no longer have bombs going off. Of course it will be hard to see convicted murderers leaving jail after only 7 or 8 years.

The suggestion that the government should just demand the dissolution of ETA is fanciful. ETA may not be able to "win" by their despicable acts of violence, but they can certainly maintain the violence over many years. No-one will gain from a resumption of not talking to ETA + resumption of armed struggle. It's not a perfect solution, but if both sides are willing to make concessions, a peaceful outcome is possible. Or are the demonstrators in Madrid against a peaceful outcome?