Ex-Catalan leader calls for Spain talks

FORMER Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has called for talks with his Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy following a regional election in Catalonia that gave pro-independence parties a parliamentary majority.

Mr Puigdemont, who fled Spain almost two months ago to avoid arrest after going against court rulings and pushing for unilateral Catalan independence, said in Brussels that Thursday’s election opened up “a new era” for Catalonia.

He said he was ready to meet Mr Rajoy without pre-conditions anywhere in the European Union other than Spain. Referring to the poll results, he said: “More than two million people are in favour of Catalonia’s independence. “Recognising reality is vital if we are to find a solution.” Mr Rajoy called the snap election after Catalan separatists declared independence in October following a referendum deemed illegal by Spanish authorities. Mr Puigdemont’s Together for Catalonia took 34 seats in the 135seat regional assembly, making it the most popular separatist party. Mr Rajoy’s Popular Party came last with just three seats in what was a major blow to the country’s governing party. A BRITISH Army sergeant and a former diving instructor have tied the knot in an underwater wedding in Florida. Thomas Mould, from Leicester, and Sandra Hyde exchanged wedding vows off Key Largo.