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Spanish PM suggests Catalan parties against independence to form gov't

Xinhua, September 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Tuesday warned the leader of the Catalan Regional Assembly Artur Mas that any moves towards instigating the independence of the Catalan region would be an "illegal operation."

Mas has said that if the Junts Pel Si (Together for Yes) coalition win a majority in next Sunday's elections for the Catalan Regional Assembly -- or Generalitat -- they would take that as a mandate to immediately start taking the steps needed to separate from Spain.

In an interview with Onda Cero radio, Rajoy said a declaration of independence would be an "illegal operation" and would only bring "instability, tension and further problems."

Latest opinion polls show Junts Pel Si could obtain a majority or enough votes to govern with the support of pro-independence faction CUP.

Rajoy said Catalan parties against independence should try to reach agreement to form a government. "If possible, we should try to build an alternative against those who want to liquidate Spain. It would be simple and reasonable," he said. Endit