Basque separatist group ETA has announced that it is formally disbanding, according to a letter published by a Spanish online newspaper.
The group said it has "completely dissolved all its structures and ended its political initiative.
"ETA has decided to declare its historical cycle and functions terminated, putting an end to its journey", it said in a letter published by El Diario.
The letter, dated 16 April, marked what is expected to be the last of several key steps towards the full break-up of the group.
ETA had been expected to announce its final dissolution later this week, after a 50-year campaign for an independent state in northern Spain and southern France, which killed around 850 people.
The group announced a ceasefire in 2011 and has handed over weapons.
Last month, it asked for forgiveness from its victims for the first time for the "pain" caused by its decades-long campaign of violence.
