Merkel Speaks in Support of Preventing Catalonia's Secession From Spain

Catalonia has long sought independence from Spain, accusing Madrid of constraining its economic and cultural autonomy and of unfairly distributing resources.

MADRID (Sputnik) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel supports the Spanish government’s stance on the country’s territorial integrity and preventing secession of Catalonia, she said at a joint conference with Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Tuesday.

"We have very similar positions," Merkel said in Berlin, adding that the issue of territorial integrity "is secured by the treaties of the European Union, which guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state" in the bloc.

Compliance with the laws of the country is crucial, she stressed, "there are no disagreements on this issue between me and Rajoy."

Catalonia holds regional elections on September 27. A coalition of pro-independence parties has pledged to begin the processes of secession from Spain should they win a majority. The process is expected to take up to 18 months.

The Spanish government has repeatedly rejected Catalans the right to secede.