Catalan president calls for unity over independence referendum

Catalan President Artur Mas has called for unity among the parties in favour of the Independence referendum, which he wants to hold Nov 9.

The decision by Spain's Constitutional Court almost a fortnight ago to accept the appeal by the Spanish central government against the vote means that in theory all activity in preparing for the referendum should be suspended, Xinhua reported.

The Spanish government considered the referendum to be unconstitutional.

The pro-independence parties have so far ignored the ruling and have named an electoral commission to supervise preparations.

However, there appeared to be division within the pro-independence block, with some favouring pressing ahead with the vote, while Mas, although insisting that the vote should be held, has also dropped hints that he could call an election for the Catalan Parliament, which he would use as a plebiscite to then press on with the referendum.

"The parties have to decide if they are part of the solution or part of the problem. If one fails, then the chain will break," Mas said, speaking at a rally Saturday.

He added that their adversary was not each other, but the Spanish state.

"This is a very delicate moment, but we can't confuse ourselves. Consensus is one of our main strengths. It is one thing to play in the team and another to play in favor of your rivals," he said.