State Department backs Spanish ‘unity’ amid Catalan crisis

The State Department called Catalonia “an integral part of Spain” on Friday after the semi-autonomous region held a vote for independence. 

“Catalonia is an integral part of Spain, and the United States supports the Spanish government’s constitutional measures to keep Spain strong and united,” the State Department said in a statement.

NEW: State Department on Catalonia: The U.S. “supports the Spanish government’s constitutional measures to keep Spain strong and united.” pic.twitter.com/SN3i1i1qvH

— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) October 27, 2017 

The Catalan parliament announced Friday it would seek “to form the Catalan Republic as an independent and sovereign state” following a 70-10 vote in favor of the motion in a secret chamber meeting where opposition ministers walked out beforehand. 

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The vote marks an unprecedented crisis for Spain, which has been facing rising tensions in Catalonia since its referendum for independence on Oct. 1. 

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy immediately called for his countrymen to “remain calm” after the parliamentary vote.

“The rule of law will restore legality in Catalonia,” he tweeted. 

Madrid is expected to remove Catalan President Carles Puigdemont this week after the Spanish cabinet voted to grant the Spanish government emergency powers to impose direct control over the region following a push from Rajoy to “restore normalcy.” 

“The United States enjoys a great friendship and an enduring partnership with our NATO Ally Spain,” the State Department said. “Our two countries cooperates closely to advance our shared security and economic priorities.” 

President Trump has previously said that he would like to see the country “continue to be united.”