Vitoria, Spain - A new parliament was constituted in Spain's Basque region Friday, with the first conservative president taking power since the region was granted broad autonomy in 1979.

The choice of Arantz Quiroga as president breaks a long string of presidents from the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) since 1979. The PNV seeks looser ties, if not independence, from Spain.

The region, which has often suffered from the violence of the militant separatist group ETA is now to get its first government clearly backing its integration with Spain. The government was formed after two mainstream Spanish parties, the socialists and conservatives, reached a deal earlier this week.

The PNV took the most votes in the elections, but together, the socialists and conservatives have a majority. That will allow socialist leader Patxi Lopez to take over as regional prime minister in late April or May. (dpa)