Former U.S. vice president Al Gore (L) greets Basque premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe before delivering a ecology conference at the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao October 16, 2008. Gore gave a conference '' Thinking Green. A Economic Strategy For The 21st Century" at the museum on Thursday. REUTERS/Alfredo Aldai/Pool (SPAIN) 

Former U.S. vice president Al Gore (C) talks to Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (L) and Guggenheim Bilbao director Juan Ignacio Vidarte in front of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao October 16, 2008. Gore gave a conference '' Thinking Green. A Economic Strategy For The 21st Century" at the museum on Thursday. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Former U.S. vice president Al Gore (L) arrives with Basque premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe to deliver ecology conference at the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao October 16, 2008. Gore gave a conference '' Thinking Green. A Economic Strategy For The 21st Century" at the museum on Thursday. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Former U.S. vice president Al Gore (R) talks to Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (3rd L), Bilbao mayor Inaki Azkuna (L), Basque parliament president Izaskun Bilbao (2nd L) and Guggenheim Bilbao director Juan Ignacio Vidarte (2nd R) in front of Guggenheim museum in Bilbao October 16, 2008. Gore gave a conference '' Thinking Green. A Economic Strategy For The 21st Century" at the museum on Thursday. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (L) greets a Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV) supporter wearing a "Konsulta Bai- yes to the questionnaire" sticker during the Alderdi Eguna (day of the party) in Foronda, near Vitoria September 28, 2008. PNV president Inigo Urkullu announced that the PNV would try to form a human chain linking the Basque towns of Guernica and Vitoria on October 25 2008, day on which Ibarretxe planned to hold a now illegal non binding referendum. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV) supporters carry a Basque flag and an image of party founder Sabin Arana during the Alderdi Eguna (day of the party) in Foronda near Vitoria September 28, 2008. PNV president Inigo Urkullu announced that Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe would be the PNV candidate for Basque elections in March 2009. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV) president Inigo Urkullu (top) addresses supporters during the Alderdi Eguna (day of the party) in Foronda, near Vitoria September 28, 2008. Urkullu announced that Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe would be the PNV candidate for Basque elections in March 2009. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (R) and Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV) president Inigo Urkullu embrace at the end of the Alderdi Eguna (day of the party) in Foronda, near Vitoria September 28, 2008. Urkullu announced that Ibarretxe would be the PNV candidate for Basque regional elections in March 2009. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (R) greets Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV) supporters during the Alderdi Eguna (day of the party) in Foronda, near Vitoria September 28, 2008. PNV president Inigo Urkullu announced that Ibarretxe would be the PNV candidate for Basque regional elections in March 2009. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (R) and Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV) president Inigo Urkullu embrace at the end of the Alderdi Eguna (day of the party) in Foronda, near Vitoria September 28, 2008. Urkullu announced that Ibarretxe would be the PNV candidate for Basque regional elections in March 2009. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (R) and Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV) president Inigo Urkullu sing at the end of the Alderdi Eguna (day of the party) in Foronda, near Vitoria September 28, 2008. Urkullu announced that Ibarretxe would be the PNV candidate for Basque regional elections in March 2009. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) talks during a news conference next to regional government members in Vitoria September 12, 2008. Ibarretxe announced plans to lodge a complaint at the European court of Human Rights against the Spanish government after Spain's Constitutional Court blocked a referendum-style vote on the region's ties with the rest of Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) talks to regional government members in Vitoria September 12, 2008. Ibarretxe announced plans to lodge a complaint at the European court of Human Rights against the Spanish government after Spain's Constitutional Court blocked a referendum-style vote on the region's ties with the rest of Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) talks to regional government members in Vitoria September 12, 2008. Ibarretxe announced plans to lodge a complaint at the European court of Human Rights against the Spanish government after Spain's Constitutional Court blocked a referendum-style vote on the region's ties with the rest of Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) talks to regional government members in Vitoria September 12, 2008. Ibarretxe announced plans to lodge a complaint at the European court of Human Rights against the Spanish government after Spain's Constitutional Court blocked a referendum-style vote on the region's ties with the rest of Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe smiles following a news conference in Vitoria September 12, 2008. Ibarretxe announced plans to lodge a complaint at the European court of Human Rights against the Spanish government after Spain's Constitutional Court blocked a referendum-style vote on the region's ties with the rest of Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe waves to journalists following a news conference in Vitoria September 12, 2008. Ibarretxe announced plans to lodge a complaint at the European court of Human Rights against the Spanish government after Spain's Constitutional Court blocked a referendum-style vote on the region's ties with the rest of Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe talks during a news conference in Vitoria September 12, 2008. Ibarretxe announced plans to lodge a complaint at the European court of Human Rights against the Spanish government after Spain's Constitutional Court blocked a referendum-style vote on the region's ties with the rest of Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (L) leaves a news conference next to Basque government spokesperson Miren Azkarate in San Sebastian September 1, 2008. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe replies to a journalists question during a news conference in San Sebastian September 1, 2008. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe gestures during a news conference in San Sebastian September 1, 2008. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) talks to members of his regional government at their first meeting following the summer break in San Sebastian September 1, 2008. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) talks to members of his regional government at their first meeting following the summer break in San Sebastian September 1, 2008. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (2nd R) is congratulated by Izquierda Unida (IU) spokesman Oscar Matute (L), IU Basque president Javier Madrazo (2nd L) and EA's Joseba Azkarraga (R) at the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament passed a law on Friday on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe addresses the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe addresses the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe addresses the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe addresses the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV) president Inigo Urkullu (L), Vizcaya province's PNV president Andoni Urtuzar (C) and Alava province's PNV president Inaki Guerenabarrena (R) listen to Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe at the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

EHAK (Communist Party of the Basque Lands) spokeswoman Nekane Erauskin walks past Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe at the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe looks at EHAK (Communist Party of the Basque Lands) spokeswoman Nekane Erauskin at the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Parliamentarians from separatist EHAK (Communist Party of the Basque Lands) party listen to regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe addressing the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Journalists take notes as Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe addresses the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe addresses the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque Socialist Party (PSE) general secretary Patxi Lopez (2nd R, front) listens to regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe at the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe addresses the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque coalition government members (L-R) Javier Madrazo, Joseba Azkarraga and Idoia Zenarruzabeitia talk next to Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (R) at the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe arrives to the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament votes on Friday a law on a non-binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe arrives to the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria June 27, 2008. The Basque parliament votes on Friday a law on a non binding referendum in October over the Basque Country's "right to decide" increased autonomy for the region. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe arrives to a PNV meeting in Barakaldo June 14, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (2nd L) applauds next to Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) president Inigo Urkullu (R) during a PNV meeting in Barakaldo June 14, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (3rd L) applauds next to Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) president Inigo Urkullu (2nd R) during a PNV meeting in Barakaldo June 14, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

EHAK (Communist Party of the Basque Lands) spokespersons Nekane Erauskin (L) and Julian Martinez arrive to a news conference to respond to Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe's proposal for a non-binding referendum presented to the regional parliament in Vitoria May 29, 2008. The Basque government plans to hold a referendum on October 25, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

EHAK (Communist Party of the Basque Lands) spokespersons Itziar Basterrika (L), Nekane Erauskin (C) and Julian Martinez respond in a news conference to Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe's proposal for a non-binding referendum presented to the Basque regional parliament in Vitoria May 29, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (2nd R) and coalition partners Joseba Azkarraga (2nd L) and Javier Madrazo (L) deliver a proposal for a non-binding referendum to the president of the Basque parliament Izaskun Bilbao in Vitoria May 29, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) and coalition partners Joseba Azkarraga (R) and Javier Madrazo arrive to deliver a proposal for a non-binding referendum to the president of the Basque parliament Izaskun Bilbao in Vitoria May 29, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. PICTURE TAKEN THROUGH A FENCE REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) and coalition partners Joseba Azkarraga (R) and Javier Madrazo arrive to deliver a proposal for a non-binding referendum to the president of the Basque parliament Izaskun Bilbao in Vitoria May 29, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) and coalition partners Joseba Azkarraga (R) and Javier Madrazo arrive to deliver a proposal for a non-binding referendum to the president of the Basque parliament Izaskun Bilbao in Vitoria May 29, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (2nd R) and coalition partners Joseba Azkarraga (2nd L) and Javier Madrazo (L) deliver a proposal for a non-binding referendum to the president of the Basque parliament Izaskun Bilbao in Vitoria May 29, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (2nd R) and coalition partners Joseba Azkarraga (2nd L) and Javier Madrazo (L) deliver a proposal for a non-binding referendum to the president of the Basque parliament Izaskun Bilbao in Vitoria May 29, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (2nd R) and coalition partners Joseba Azkarraga (2nd L) and Javier Madrazo (L) deliver a proposal for a non-binding referendum to the president of the Basque parliament Izaskun Bilbao in Vitoria May 29, 2008. The Basque regional government plans to hold a referendum on October 25, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (C) sits with members of the Basque government before presenting his proposal for a non binding referendum in Vitoria May 28, 2008. Basque regional government will hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe holds up a ballot paper for a referendum in Vitoria May 28, 2008. Basque regional government will hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe holds up a ballot paper for a referendum in Vitoria May 28, 2008. Basque regional government will hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Basque regional premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe holds up a ballot paper for a referendum in Vitoria May 28, 2008. Basque regional government will hold a referendum on October 25th, 2008 on whether to authorise local political parties to start talks on the region's future status, which could include independence from Spain. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (R) listens to Basque Premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe during their meeting at Moncloa Palace, outside Madrid, May 20, 2008. REUTERS/Sergio Perez (SPAIN) 

Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (L) greets Basque Premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe before their meeting at Moncloa Palace, outside Madrid, May 20, 2008. REUTERS/Sergio Perez (SPAIN) 

Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (L) greets Basque Premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe before their meeting at Moncloa Palace, outside Madrid, May 20, 2008. REUTERS/Sergio Perez (SPAIN) 

Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (L) stands next to Basque Premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe before their meeting at Moncloa Palace, outside Madrid, May 20, 2008. REUTERS/Sergio Perez (SPAIN) 

Basque Premier Juan Jose Ibarretxe (R) waves beside Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero before their meeting at Moncloa Palace, outside Madrid, May 20, 2008. REUTERS/Sergio Perez (SPAIN)