Wednesday, 20 September, 2017
  • Sport
  • Catalonia announces independence referendum

Catalonia announces independence referendum

Catalan nationalists to call for independence vote on 1 October Catalonia steps up separatist challenge with Oct. 1 vote
Vera Richards | 10 June, 2017, 04:50

The Spanish government will block any attempt to further an independence process in Catalonia, spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said, after the head of the northeastern region called a referendum on secession on October 1.

Catalan president Carles Puigdemont said that voters in the unilateral referendum would be asked the question: "Do you want Catalonia to be an independent country in the form of a republic?"

On Thursday, ahead of Mr Puigdemont's statement, deputy prime minister Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría said: "They can announce that they are going to hold this referendum as many times as they like and postpone it as many weeks as they like and organise as many events as they like, but that referendum is not going to take place".

This is published unedited from the IANS feed. Madrid argues that the Spanish constitution leaves no room for regional secession votes, let alone for secession itself. Several Catalan politicians, including former regional president Artur Mas, have been fined or barred from public office for holding a mock referendum in November 2014.

Although Catalans are divided on whether to split from Spain - with 48.5 percent against independence and 44.3 percent in favor, according to a recent poll by the regional government - nearly three-quarters of respondents supported holding a referendum on the issue.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's cabinet has repeatedly vowed to prevent the ballot by all means necessary. This move would create another showdown with the central government, which sees the vote as illegal, reports said.

Puigdemont's announcement came after multiple failed attempts to agree on a referendum date with the Madrid government.

That vote was organised by volunteers rather than government officials to get around court restrictions.

In February, the Constitutional Court ruled against the planned referendum and warned Catalan leaders they faced repercussions if they continued with their project. The referendum could force them to choose between obeying their immediate supervisors, and facing consequences for disobeying Spanish law, or sticking with the Spanish Constitution.

He told Radio Catalunya that the region needed the opportunity to decide its own future, adding: "We're just asking that people be allowed to vote for a better life".

There is a widespread feeling among the people of Catalonia the central government takes much more than it gives back, the BBC reported. Catalonia's regional government announced that his pro-independence government will make a refer.

"My perception is that Puigdemont will not be able to hold a referendum that adjusts to the general consensus, with the guaranties of impartiality", Arbos said. Catalan parliamentarians, the majority of whom are in favor of independence, are expecting to set the legislative groundwork this summer.

I suggested the title 'When Harry met Sejal': Ranbir
Senator curses in speech to show frustration with Washington

Recommended

  • Freeland says Canada needs hard power to support global order

    Freeland says Canada needs hard power to support global order

    Second, Freeland said she wants to increase military spending to "place the Canadian Armed Forces on a new footing". Freeland said, and will on Wednesday release details on spending plans for a new defense policy.
    Vampyr Ready to Drain Away Your Free Time Beginning in November 2017

    Vampyr Ready to Drain Away Your Free Time Beginning in November 2017

    An exact release date hasn't been announced, but it's possible that we could learn that at E3 next week. Vampyr is coming to PC, PS4, and Xbox One in November of 2017.

    Sen. McCain: Diamondbacks to blame for confusing questions to Comey

    But several of his questions confused viewers, and seemingly Comey himself, and he occasionally was incoherent. McCain's meandering back-and-forth with Comey became a distraction on a very busy day.
  • Alex Honnold talks with NPR about overcoming fear after historic climb

    Alex Honnold talks with NPR about overcoming fear after historic climb

    As a climber, it's an incredible feeling to register the sheer size and scale of the walls all around you. Remember, climbing up a cliff without ropes isn't the safest thing in the world.

    Apple Unveils Powerful New iMac Pro

    Having the extra port is vitally important when you're using an external device like a USB-C SSD and the charger simultaneously. Graphics on iMac are much more powerful across the line with the new Radeon Pro 500-series graphics with up to 8GB of vRAM.
    Lawmakers vote for transportation funding lockbox

    Lawmakers vote for transportation funding lockbox

    The Connecticut tribes hope this casino will take away some of MGM's business. MGM has appealed the decision, and the appeal is still pending.
  • Syria army reaches Iraq border after US tensions: monitor

    Syria army reaches Iraq border after US tensions: monitor

    The coalition's focus remains on fighting the Islamic State group, he added, saying it does not want to battle the Syrian regime. White phosphorous burns at extremely high temperatures and can be used to illuminate conflict zones or obscure them with smoke.
    Drinking dairy-free milk could cause kids to be shorter

    Drinking dairy-free milk could cause kids to be shorter

    Children who drink soy, rice or almond milk may end up shorter than children given cow's milk , a new study suggests. Dr Maguire said: "Height is an important indicator of children's overall health and development".
    Verizon's first move with Yahoo is to ditch 2100 jobs

    Verizon's first move with Yahoo is to ditch 2100 jobs

    Consistent with what we have said since the deal was announced, we will be aligning our global organization to the strategy". Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer will not be part of the leadership team, according to an internal memo obtained by CNN Tech in April.
  • Zoo brings in OB-GYN for humans to deliver baby gorilla

    Zoo brings in OB-GYN for humans to deliver baby gorilla

    Doctors made use of similar medical techniques to deliver the baby as they use while delivering human babies. Mr Baker added: "Though Kira is a first-time mom, we're not surprised she's acting like an expert already".
    Qatar's Al-Jazeera says battling cyber attack

    Qatar's Al-Jazeera says battling cyber attack

    It comes amid a diplomatic crisis with Qatar , which other Arab states accuse of having ties with terrorism. Reporters broke with a widespread taboo of the Arab news media by interviewing Israeli officials.
    Distraught family of girl who died: 'Check for ticks'

    Distraught family of girl who died: 'Check for ticks'

    If not treated right away with antibiotics, there is a high death rate associated with the disease. Rocky Mountain spotted fever may have killed their 2-year-old. "That their baby girl is gone now".

Harry Styles is coming back to Manila Harry Styles is coming back to Manila Due to high demand, the One Direction singer gone solo has just booked 56 more tour dates , extending his tour into July of 2018. The U.S. concerts will feature country singer Kacey Musgraves ("Follow Your Arrow", "Merry Go Round") as the opening act.

Uber top executive fired amid row on India rape probe Uber top executive fired amid row on India rape probe Technology news site Recode said Mr Alexander was sacked only after the publication contacted the company about the story. Former engineer Susan Fowler's allegations of sexual harassment exposed the rot in the company for the first time.

Senator curses in speech to show frustration with Washington Senator curses in speech to show frustration with Washington Kirsten Gillibrand used salty language Friday to express her frustration with Washington politics. A spokesman for the senator tells us, quote, "She's entirely comfortable being who she is". "No.

I suggested the title 'When Harry met Sejal': Ranbir I suggested the title 'When Harry met Sejal': Ranbir Raees did feel the pinch when it released with Kaabil last January and we are sure Shah Rukh Khan didn't want a repeat of that. The film will also enjoy an extended weekend, since there'll be a partial holiday on 7th August due to Rakshabandhan.

Premier League waits before deciding whether to probe Virgil van Dijk case Premier League waits before deciding whether to probe Virgil van Dijk case But in their grovelling apology to Southampton , a statement read that they would end "any interest" in he highly-wanted star. Efforts to sign Mohamed Salah have also stalled in recent days with Liverpool reluctant to meet Roma's asking price.

White House tries to regroup, but Trump isn't helping White House tries to regroup, but Trump isn't helping Neiss likes to make bots - his previous viral bot tweeted out the names, photos and fates of Jews fleeing Europe aboard the St. What a president says and does is news-particularly when a president talks about what he's doing, has done, or plans to do.

Comey: Trump administration spread 'lies, plain and simple' Comey: Trump administration spread 'lies, plain and simple' Kasowitz's statement did not address Comey's comments about Trump's pressuring him to shield Flynn from any FBI investigation. The Justice Department then appointed another former FBI director, Robert Mueller, as special counsel in the investigation.

Russian Federation denies reports of hacking Qatar's state news agency Qatar has strongly denied supporting terrorism and has condemned the move, largely spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, to isolate it. The FBI and British authorities are now investigating the alleged hack and results could come as soon as this week.

Super glitch strikes Philippine bank again Super glitch strikes Philippine bank again A user called wild flower wrote: "I lost my money..." I only have 15 pesos (30 USA cents) left on my pocket. Consing also advised their clients who may have more money in their accounts not to spend the money.

Rohan Bopanna, Gaby Dabrowski clinch mixed doubles title Rohan Bopanna, Gaby Dabrowski clinch mixed doubles title The last player to win their debut title at Roland Garros was Gustavo Kuerten, who lifted the title the day the Latvian was born. This was Bopanna's first ever Grand Slam title which he bagged partnering with the 25-year-old Canada's Dabrowski.

Comey to Congress: President Trump told him 'I need loyalty' Comey to Congress: President Trump told him 'I need loyalty' Trump: "That's what I want, honest loyalty". "He agreed, but then re-emphasized the problems this was causing him". The President then returned to the topic of Mike Flynn, saying, "He is a good guy and has been through a lot".

Philippine lawmakers ask top court to nullify martial law Philippine lawmakers ask top court to nullify martial law We are now at a point in our nation's history that the martial law safeguards enshrined in our Constitution will be tested. The petition is the third to question Duterte's declaration and is the first challenge from Catholic leaders .

Pak accuses India of devious games in Afghanistan Pak accuses India of devious games in Afghanistan India and Pakistan have already fought three wars since they gained independence from Britain in 1947. He said that India is using Afghan soil against Pakistan and is also sabotaging Pak-Afghan relations.

'He's killing everybody' woman says as Utah man opens fire The lockdown at Brookwood Elementary has been lifted, and we have opened the school to serve as a family reunification point. People leave items at a memorial for the victims of a fatal shooting Wednesday, June 7, 2017, in Sandy, Utah .

Assassin's Creed: Origins info confirmed by leaked Target preorder card Assassin's Creed: Origins info confirmed by leaked Target preorder card The game, which is Assassin's Creed's first in over two years, will be made available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC. It is now unknown if this bonus mission will become available at a later date to those that don't pre-order.