Madrid moves towards direct rule over Catalonia as deadline passes

Spain's government set the clock ticking Monday on imposing direct rule over Catalonia, after the region's leader missed a deadline to clarify whether he had declared independence.


Madrid had given Puigdemont until Monday 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) to clarify his position on independence with a "Yes" or "No", and until Thursday to change his mind if he insisted on a split - saying Madrid would suspend Catalonia's autonomy if he chose secession.

Justice Minister Rafael Catala said on Monday the answer that Puigdemont had given in a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was not valid.
 [dailystar.com.lb/REUTERS]
 16/10/17