Splits Emerge Among Catalan Separatists
Catalonia's leader Carles Puigdemont has threatened to declare independence 'within days', but the region's business minister Santi Vila proposed a 'ceasefire' in the row with Spain's central government BARCELONA, SPAIN: Splits have emerged among Catalan separatist leaders over their plans to unilaterally declare independence following a secession referendum deemed illegal by Madrid. Catalonia's leader Carles Puigdemont has threatened to declare independence "within days", but the region's business minister Santi Vila proposed a "ceasefire" in the row with Spain's central government. In an opinion article published in Catalan daily Ara he urged the pro-secession camp to "reflect on the usefulness and consequences" of a declaration of independence. Puigdemont put off until Tuesday an appearance in the regional Catalan parliament at which time some leaders have called for the declaration to be made. The session