09:31, 08-Apr-2018
Puigdemont Released: Ex-Catalan leader calls for dialogue with Spanish gov't
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The former Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, has made a renewed call for Spanish authorities to open negotiations over the region's efforts to achieve independence. He also called on Spain to recognize Catalan leaders as "legitimate representatives".
CARLES PUIGDEMONT FORMER CATALAN PRESIDENT "The path for political negotiations based on mutual respect, this is what Europe expects, this is what the Catalan people ask for, this is what the Catalan economy, society, and culture need."
Puigdemont's comments come a day after a German state court released him on bail and rejected Spain's request to have him extradited. Madrid is seeking his extradition for rebellion and misuse of public funds in organizing an unauthorized referendum on Catalonia's independence from Spain last year.
A German court ruled on Thursday that the charge of rebellion did not warrant extradition, because it is not punishable under German law. But it said Puigdemont might still be extradited on the less serious charge of misuse of funds.