Catalonia Independence: Catalan protesters in Barcelona demand dialogue with Madrid

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Thousands have rallied in Barcelona calling for dialogue between Catalonia and Madrid. They're urging local leaders to hold talks with federal officials in the Spanish capital, with hopes of ending the stand-off over Catalonia's move for independence. CGTN's Guy Henderson has the latest.

Isabel Gonzales is Catalan-born and bred - and opposed to its independence. She's not come to the regional government's offices waving the Spanish flag though - far from it.

ISABELLE GONZALES CATALAN INDEPENDENCE OPPONENT I think they've been very, very stupid - because the Catalans have been calling for certain things for a very long time, and Madrid has always said no. And I think that is the reason for what's happening now.

Three generations of the Garcia family have come to raise their voices, too. They don't want to see Catalonia go its own way either. And they fear the consequences of a continued stand-off.

JUAN GARCIA CATALAN INDEPENDENCE OPPONENT We're here as a family in favor of peace: we believe the word is more important than weapons. When word goes unused, instead, we hear the sound of arms.

Thousands joined them on the streets of Barcelona on Saturday.

Not a warning - but a plea: let's stay together.

GUY HENDERSON BARCELONA A lot of people you speak to here are opposed to independence - but their real priority is dialogue. On Sunday, we may see a very different kind of protest on the streets of Barcelona - with the Spanish flag held high, and showing support for the national police force.

Already on display in the capital Madrid - as tens of thousands gathered.

All pro-unity - but in different camps: not all of them so keen on dialogue.

Which the Catalan leadership still wants - on Friday, it met with mediators pushing for meetings in Madrid.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy doesn't see a need - indeed, as more companies flee the region, divisions are reportedly emerging in the pro-independence camp.

Opponents of a breakaway are now speaking up in Catalonia - many believe Rajoy's tactics will only make things worse. GH, CGTN, BARCELONA.