Catalonia's Carles Puigdemont suspends independence

Catalonia's leader said he accepts the "mandate from the people" to "become, an independent state", but stopped short of declaring independence as he seeks dialogue with Spain.


"Based on the results of October 1st, Catalonia has earned the right to be an independent country and has earned the right to be listened to and respected," Carles Puigdemont told the regional parliament on Tuesday.

"The ballot boxes are telling us the people are in favour of independence and that is the path we follow," he said.

"By being the president, I assume my responsibility to declare that Catalonia should become an independent state in the form of a republic."

He then asked parliament to suspend its mandate to immediately declare independence based on this month's referendum so that dialogue could begin.
 [aljazeera.com]
 10/10/17