Catalonia proposes suspending independence declaration

Catalan president Carles Puigdemont said he had a mandate to declare independence, but proposed waiting “a few weeks” in order to facilitate a dialogue with Spain.

Catalan president Carles Puigdemont proposed suspending the declaration of independence from Spain, suggesting that the bid wait “a few weeks” in order to hold talks with Madrid.

Catalan president Carles Puigdemont speaks in the Catalonian regional parliament in Barcelona on October 10, 2017. (Reuters)

Speaking at a special session of Catalonia’s parliament, Puigdemont said he had a mandate to declare independence, but proposed waiting in order to facilitate a dialogue with Spain.

“With our differences and discrepancies, we make up one people,” he said, calling for reduced tensions with the Spanish government.

Catalonia, a region in north-eastern Spain, held a referendum on October 1 to seek independence. Spain’s constitution says the country is indivisible, and Madrid reacted by cracking down on what it called an illegal vote.

Hundreds were left injured in clashes between separatists and riot police.

(With inputs from agencies)