Catalan leader signs document declaring independence from Spain

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont signs a declaration of independence at the Catalan regional parliament in Barcelona, Spain, October 10, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

BARCELONA - Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and other regional politicians signed a document declaring Catalonia's independence from Spain, but it was unclear if the document would have any legal value.

"Catalonia restores today its full sovereignty," says the document, called "declaration of the representatives of Catalonia."

"We call on all states and international organisations to recognise the Catalan republic as an independent and sovereign state. We call on the Catalan government to take all necessary measures to make possible and fully effective this declaration of independence and the measures contained in the transition law that founds the republic."

Puigdemont told the assembly earlier that the effects of the declaration would be suspended to allow time for talks to reach a negotiated solution to the standoff over the northeastern region.

Reuters