CATALAN DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WILL HAVE NO EFFECT

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Photo: 5 October 2017 — Image captionMariano Rajoy: "I don't rule out absolutely anything that is within the law"

Any declaration of independence by Catalonia will have no effect, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has warned, adding that he is not ruling out suspending the region's autonomy.

In an interview with El País newspaper, Mr Rajoy also rejected any mediation to resolve the crisis.

On Saturday thousands of people rallied in Madrid for Spanish unity.

A similar demonstration is under way in Barcelona in response to last week's disputed referendum.

The final results from the wealthy north-eastern region showed 90% of the 2.3 million people who voted backed independence. Turnout was 43%

Nearly 900 people were injured as the police, trying to enforce a Spanish court ban on the vote, attempted to disperse voters.

Thirty-three police officers were also hurt.

In the El País interview, Mr Rajoy said: "The government will ensure that any declaration of independence will lead to nothing."

Asked whether he was prepared to invoke Article 155 of Spain's constitution, which allows the national parliament to intervene in the running of an autonomous region, Mr Rajoy said: "I don't rule out absolutely anything that is within the law."

The prime minister also said he planned to keep the extra police deployed to Catalonia before the referendum in the region until the crisis was over.

And he added that he would not call early national elections because of the growing political crisis.

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont is expected to address the regional parliament on Tuesday at 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) after Spain's Constitutional Court earlier suspended the Catalan parliament session that had been planned for Monday.

There is speculation that the parliament will declare independence unilaterally at its next sitting.

'Let's talk'

On Saturday, thousands of people calling for Spanish unity attended rallies in the capital Madrid.

Other demonstrations - including in the Catalan city Barcelona - were also held urging political dialogue.

Meanwhile, businesses have continued to announce their departure from the Catalan region amid the ongoing political uncertainty.

Comments

TOURISM: NIGERIA

The temple of Yoruba goddess Oshun at Osun-Osogbo , an attraction for pilgrims and tourists alike. African Bush Elephants in Yankari National Park , Bauchi State . Tourism in Nigeria centers largely on events, due to the country's ample amount of ethnic groups, but also includes rain forests , savannah , waterfalls , and other natural attractions. Not also forgetting the enormous potentials of its hospitality sector which is capable of giving you a treat of a life time. The climatic condition in the country is welcoming and the transportation system is most of all adventurous. Come! Visit Nigeria and experience the pleasures of Paradise. Adventure awaits you!

NIGERIA: RTEAN INAUGURATES TASKFORCE AGAINST ERRING MOTORISTS

The Lagos State Branch of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has set up a taskforce to arrest members of the association driving against traffic in the state. The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Musa Muhammed, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday. He said the union had set up the taskforce to support the one put in place by the Lagos State Government to prevent commercial motorcyclists from operating on highways in the state. “We are law-abiding citizens, we obey traffic rules and regulations and we want total compliance with Lagos State traffic laws. “That is why we set up the taskforce to monitor and arrest any of our members or uniformed people, plying the expressway or disobeying traffic laws.” According to him, the association is ready to support the State Government on any policy that will step up and advance the transport sector. Also speaking to NAN, Mr Sulaiman Raji, Chair...

AUDITION DATE FOR MISS NIGERIA OUT: SUBMIT APPLICATION AT ADDRESSES BELOW

Miss Nigeria Organization is calling for entries into the 41st and Diamond Jubilee edition of the most prestigious and oldest pageant in Nigeria. Built as a platform to empower women beyond beauty, select young women have a chance to represent the 37 states (including the FCT) in Nigeria. Through very various strategic activities, they will be empowered to showcase their individual talents while competing for the crown. With a wholesome combination of vintage glamour and modern elegance, the Miss Nigeria pageant promotes positive attributes of Nigerian women and, importantly, does not include a swimsuit competition or any other competitions that do not exude modesty. In addition to winning the prestigious crown, the winner of the Miss Nigeria competition will be rewarded with a luxury car, N3 million, one year free accommodation in Lagos, and other amazing prizes and benefits. Meanwhile, Times Multimedia, organisers of the pageant has shared their plans for this year’s pag...

TheGlobe

Search This Blog