The international community must take into account the results of the referendum on the independence of Catalonia. As reported by RIA Novosti, told reporters the head of the delegation of international observers, former Minister of foreign Affairs of Slovenia Dimitrij Rupel.
According to him, the plebiscite was “a demonstration of the determination of the people of Catalonia in relation to the right to freedom of expression and the right to democratic processes.” “This is a successful example of the mobilization of the Catalan nation. The results of the referendum needs to be taken into account by the international community in General and the European Union, the Council of Europe and the Spanish authorities,” said Rupel.
“We noted that the turnout was quite high. However, I don’t have the exact figures,” he said, adding that the organizers of the referendum have taken adequate measures to avoid a situation where residents could go vote twice. At the same time, he said, was marked by difficulties related to the principle of the secrecy of the vote.
Moreover, Rupel said that the voting process was organized in accordance with the laws of Spain. “With regard to the organization of the polling stations, we believe that the process was prepared carefully and in accordance with the existing laws of the Kingdom of Spain,” read a radio report of the observers. He also expressed the hope that in the near future the Spanish government will begin negotiations with the government of Catalonia.
The vote on the referendum on the independence of Catalonia was held in Sunday, October 1.
Madrid tried to prevent the holding of a plebiscite. In particular, it was reported that Spanish police used rubber bullets against those who voted in Barcelona. According to the latest data of the Catalan authorities, the number of victims has reached 844.
After voting, the head of the government of Catalonia Carles Putteman said in a televised address that the Catalans achieved their right to sovereignty. He promised that in the next few days the results of the referendum will be passed in the Parliament of Catalonia for “decision-making in accordance with the law on the referendum”.