Catalan leaders demand talks with Madrid as thousands protest again

Barcelona returned to relative calm after six days of demonstrations against the jailing of separatist leaders left hundreds injured in the tourist hotspot and pro-independence groups demanding new talks with the Spanish government.

At the Urquinaona square in the city centre dozens of pro-independence activists on Saturday formed a human chain between police and protesters following the previous night's clashes during which nearly 200 people were hurt.

"I reject all forms of violence, I have come here for peace," Carmen Fernandez, 65, told AFP.

But on the famous Las Ramblas, protesters set up barricades and lit fires before they were dispersed by police firing foam projectiles.

Overnight Friday, radical separatists had hurled rocks and fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Regional president Quim Torra Saturday called on the Spanish government to "fix today a day and hour to sit with us for unconditional talks."