Catalans defiant as Madrid prepares to act

Madrid

CATALAN President Carles Puigdemont defended his region's claim to independence as the Spanish government signalled it will move ahead with the process of suspending self-rule this week.

In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Mr Puigdemont said his focus for the next two months will be dialogue and called for a face-to-face meeting as soon as possible, insisting the referendum held on Oct 1 gave his government a mandate to found a new republic. Mr Rajoy, writing in response, said Mr Puigdemont is sowing discord among Catalans and gave him until Thursday at 10am local time to back down. He said that preparations are in place for Madrid to take direct control of the region.