Catalan separatists split over independence plans

BARCELONA: Splits have emerged among Catalan separatist leaders over their plans to unilaterally declare independence following a secession referendum deemed illegal by Madrid.

Catalonia’s leader Carles Puigdemont has threatened to declare independence “within days”, but the region’s business minister Santi Vila proposed a “ceasefire” in the row with Spain’s central government.

In an opinion article published yesterday in the Catalan daily Ara, he urged the prosecession camp to “reflect on the usefulness and consequences” of a declaration of independence.

Puigdemont put off until Tuesday an appearance in the regional Catalan parliament, at which time some leaders have called for the declaration to be made.

The session of parliament to analyse the results of last Sunday’s referendum was initially scheduled for tomorrow, but Spain’s Constitutional Court ordered that it be suspended.

The Catalan government has also not yet officially ratified the results of the vote, a move which would open a twoday period in which the parliament can declare independence.

Participants in the referendum opted overwhelmingly for secession, but turnout was only 43% as Catalans who favour remaining part of Spain mainly boycotted the ballot. — AFP