Buhari urges Spanish govt to dialogue with Catalonia, seek peaceful resolution

The Federal Government Friday urged the Spanish Government to embrace dialogue and seek peaceful resolution to the contentious issues surrounding its strained relations with Catalonia following its recent declaration of independence.

In a statement signed by Tope Elias-Fatile, spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government noted that the need to embrace dialogue was in the interest of the peaceful coexistence of both parties.

The foreign ministry stated that government had “watched with keen interest” recent developments in Spain and therefore encouraged parties to act within the framework of the constitution.

“We are confident in the ability of the Spanish Government and its institutions to resolve the issue amicably and secure the unity and territorial integrity of Spain.”

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In November 2015, Catalan lawmakers approved a plan for secession from Spain by 2017 with a majority vote.

The plan was suspended by Spanish Constitutional Court, but the Catalan Government insisted that it would go ahead with the plan regardless.

Subsequently, the Catalan Government in June 2017 announced that an independence referendum would be held on October 1.

Spanish courts, however, declared the referendum illegal, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Catalonia ordered the seizure of equipment related to the referendum.

The Catalan Government, however, went ahead with the independence referendum as scheduled.

On October 10, Catalonia’s Regional President, Carles Puigdemont, signed a declaration of independence and the parliament voted to declare independence on October 22.

In response, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dismissed the Executive Council of Catalonia, dissolved the Parliament of Catalonia and called for regional election on December 21.

 

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