Backing for United Spain

Foreign Ministry’s spokesman reaffirmed Tehran’s support for the unity of Spain, an important economic partner of Iran facing a secession push that has plunged the country into one of its worst crises in years. In a statement published on Thursday, Bahram Qasemi urged Catalonian people to observe the rule of law and pursue their demands through peaceful means, ISNA reported.  A referendum for independence was held in Spain’s northeastern province of Catalonia on October 1, which has been declared illegal by the federal government in Spain. Catalan leaders say almost 90% of voters backed a separate state in the poll, which saw a 43% turnout despite efforts by the Spanish police to halt the voting.  “Based on its principled policies, Tehran believes in a united, integrated and democratic Spain, and calls for the preservation of stability, calm and national solidarity, and respect for the Spanish Constitution,” Qasemi said.  “Iran believes that the interests of the entire Spanish nation, the country’s political stability and economic development would be better served through national unity and synergy.” Catalan President Carles Puigdemont signed an independence declaration on Tuesday, but said the manifesto would not be implemented for several weeks to allow talks with the government in Madrid. The move was immediately dismissed by the Spanish government.