Catalonia chief says Scotland deal sets an international standard #eu #news #politics #usa #scotland

AFP/ Catalonia president Artur Mas, who is pushing for independence
for his northeastern region from the rest of Spain, on Tuesday said
the deal for a referendum on Scotland's independence sets a "standard
at the international level". "I am writing to express my
congratulations, and those of the Government of Catalonia, on the
historic accord reached between you and the First Minister of Scotland
making it possible for the Scottish people to hold a referendum before
the end of 2014 to decide their future," Mas wrote in a letter to
British Prime Minister David Cameron.

"The accord you have agreed transcends both Scotland and the United
Kingdom to set a standard at the international level," Mas noted. "Our
country will be watching this accord and the process which is now
under way with respect, attention and also with a certain admiration
and expectation. "We believe that Catalonia and Scotland have certain
things in common, but it is also clear that their political, economic
and social situations are quite different."

Cameron and Scotland's pro-independence Alex Salmond signed an
agreement on Monday to hold a referendum in 2014 on Scottish
independence that could lead to the United Kingdom breaking up after
300 years. This accord between the governments of the United Kingdom
and of Scotland is a particularly important demonstration of how in a
democracy it is possible to respect the ideas and the will of the
people as shown through the ballot box," Mas said.

"When there is a willingness to understand each other and to enter
into dialogue, negotiation is possible and understanding and common
ground will be found," he added. Mas had declared in September that
Catalonia, its capital Barcelona, should hold a referendum on
"self-determination" even if Spain's central government does not allow
it. "First you have to try to hold it according to the law, and if you
can't, you hold it anyway. The consultation should take place in any
case," Mas told the Catalan regional parliament then.

"If it can be done via a referendum because the government authorises
it, that is better. If not, it should be held just the same."
Catalonia will hold a snap election on November 25 after Spanish Prime
Minister Mariano Rajoy rejected Mas's proposals for greater taxing and
spending powers for the rich northeastern region.