BARCELONA, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- The president of the regional government of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, has proposed to suspend the effects of the declaration of independence a few weeks in order to open a process of dialogue.
Puigdemont made the statement in the Catalan parliament on Tuesday where he appeared to assess the political situation in Catalonia, after an illegal referendum was held on Oct. 1.
"Catalonia has won the right to become an independent state", he said, calling on the Spanish government to accept mediation.
Puigdemont emphasized during his speech that the Catalan issue was a European issue, highlighting the need to reduce tension and saying that the only way to progress was through peace and democracy.
The Spanish government said on Monday they would "take measures" if a unilateral declaration of independence took place.
The referendum was declared illegal by Spain's Constitutional Court.
