MADRID: Pro-separatist parties in the Spanish region of Catalonia said on Monday they were going ahead with legal preparations to create an independent state as they prepare for a disputed referendum on secession in October.

The row over Catalonia’s planned independence referendum, which is firmly opposed by the central government in Madrid, had briefly faded after an Islamist attack in Barcelona and another in the resort of Cambrils on Aug 17 and 18.

But it is likely to intensify in coming weeks as pro-separatist parties, which control the regional assembly in Catalonia, lay the groundwork for the vote they want to hold on Oct 1.

On Monday, Catalan party leaders outlined the legal framework for the transition to an independent republic they say would take effect if a majority of people in Catalonia vote “yes” to splitting from Spain.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2017