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Puigdemont urges supporters to remain peaceful after independence declaration

AFP/The Local
AFP/The Local - [email protected]
Puigdemont urges supporters to remain peaceful after independence declaration
Catalan lawmakers singing their anthem following a declaration of independence. Photo: Josep Lago/AFP

Fresh from a parliamentary session on Friday that declared independence from Spain, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont urged supporters to "maintain the momentum" in a peaceful manner, as Madrid was poised to impose direct rule on the region.

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"You will have to maintain the momentum of this country in the coming hours, particularly where peace, civic responsibility and dignity are concerned," he told lawmakers and onlookers in Barcelona.

READ ALSO: Catalan parliament passes resolution declaring independence

Catalonia's Vice President Oriol Junqueras talked about defending universal values like “liberty and equality”. “We are convinced that we can share our universal values and be a single people, inclusive and with equal rights for all citizens,” he added.

As the two regional leaders spoke, Spain's Senate was busy approving powers for the Spanish government to dissolve Catalonia’s executive in order to end the independence drive.

"We have to take the measures necessary to re-establish the rule of law. The state will act in a measured and effective way as it has until now," Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy said after his government was granted the power to intervene in Catalan autonomy by Spain’s upper house.

READ ALSO: Spain approves government powers to dissolve Catalan parliament

READ ALSO: International and constitutional law experts on what independence declaration means

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