Catalonia Leader Puigdemont Fails To Clarify Independence Bid

The president of the autonomous Spanish region of Catalonia has failed to clarify whether he has declared independence, in a letter to Madrid.....
Spain had issued a Monday deadline for Carles Puigdemont to clarify his intent - or face direct rule.

Instead, the Catalan leader called for negotiation over the next two months.

Mr Puigdemont declared independence last week after a controversial referendum - but immediately suspended the declaration to allow for talks.

It is now thought that Spain will offer an extended deadline of Thursday for Mr Puigdemont to change his mind, before attempting to enact direct rule from Madrid.

The region voted for independence in a controversial 1 October poll declared illegal by Spain's Constitutional Court.

Polling day was marred by scenes of violence as Spain's police confiscated ballot boxes and attempted to prevent members of the public entering polling stations.

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In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Monday, Mr Puigdemont said his "suspension of the political mandate given by the polls on 1 October demonstrates our firm will to find a solution and not confrontation."

"For the next two months, our main objective is to bring you to dialogue," he said.