Meanwhile, in the east of Spain, Catalonia's new regional government has been sworn in.

It ends seven months of direct rule by Spain's central government. The cabinet is led by Quim Torra, a close aide to the former leader Carles Puigdemont. The new Spanish prime minister supports talks on Catalonia but opposes any referendum on independence. But Torra says the regional government is still committed to becoming independent.

QUIM TORRA CATALAN PRESIDENT "This government is committed to advancing in accordance with the October 1st referendum, that is, to pursue an independent state in the form of a republic. A mandate which is supported by the December 21st elections. It won't be easy, there are powerful interests against this. We have seen this already and we have many examples and testimonies. That's why, from this moment I want to thank the vice president and the ministers for their courage and determination and accepting these positions."