Catalonia's response on independence is not valid : Madrid

Catalonia has failed to clarify its stance on independence in Monday’s letter from the region’s leader Carles Puigdemont to Spainish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, according to Spain's Justice Minister Rafael Catala.

Just hours before the deadline to clearly define the region’s position on its bid for independence, Puigdemont sent a letter to Rajoy which contained no clarification regarding the issue, according to Reuters. However, the response was described as “not valid” by Spanish Justice Minister Rafael Catala, Spanish news agency Efe reported.

Madrid wanted to receive a simple “yes” or “no” answer, but the Catalan leader failed to give it, Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria stated on Monday.

She reiterated that Puigdemont has “the opportunity to start resolving this situation” until Thursday. If he still refuses to drop the independence bid directly, the central government may trigger Article 155 and strip the region of its autonomy.
 [rt.com]
 16/10/17