DHAKA: Catalonia’s President claimed the autonomous region will declare independence from Spain “at the end of this week or the beginning of next”, reports The Independent-UK.

Carles Puigdemont told The BBC that it would be "an error which changes everything", if the Spanish government were to take control of the region’s administration, although he admitted that there had been no contact with Madrid. The central government has described the referendum as illegal.

Appealing for international mediation to help solve the crisis, he told the corporation that he disagreed with the European Commission’s statement that it was internal matter for Spain.

Speaking shortly before a blistering attack on Catalonia’s politicians by Spain's King Felipe, Puigdemont said his government would "act at the end of this week or the beginning of next".

In a rare nationwide address King Felipe launched a blistering attack Catalonia’s pro-independence regional government, accusing the secessionists of “breaking democratic principles” and trying to split up Spain.

“Thanks to their irresponsible behaviour, those [Catalan] authorities have put the social identity of Catalonia and all Spain at risk,” he said.

“They have shown contempt for the affection and feelings of solidarity which have united and will unite all Spaniards."

But he stressed that Spain "will overcome difficult times".

BDST: 1358 HRS, OCT 4, 2017
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