VITORIA, June 27, 2008 (AFP) - The Basque parliament on Friday approved a plan for a regional referendum on self-determination, despite opposition from the government in Madrid which condemned the poll as illegal.

The parliament voted by a narrow majority of 34 votes to 33 to hold the October 25 vote, the first part of a proposed 'road map' for new political relations between the northern region and Madrid.

The plan envisages the recognition by Madrid of the right of self-determination for the Basque people, a demand of the armed Basque separatist group ETA.