US responds to Catalan Independence motion by backing “a strong and unified Spain”

SHORTLY after the parliament in Catalonia voted in favour of a motion to begin a process of secession from Spain on Monday, the US government indicated that it was a regional matter was for Spain to handle domestically, while stating again the value of a strong relationship between America and a united Spain.

President Barack Obama met with King Felipe VI in September and he emphasised the importance of US relations with a unified Spain. A US State Department official told Spanish media after Monday´s independence motion that the President´s commitment is ongoing and said: “Catalonia is an internal matter for Spain.”

The President has been consistent with regard to his stance to questions of regional independence in Europe, having previously said in 2014 that the referendum for independence in Scotland was also a domestic issue.