CATALONIA -- Nació Digital: El president dels liberals europeus beneeix l'Estat català
Nació Digital: El president dels liberals europeus beneeix l'Estat català
The President of the European Liberals bless Catalan State
Graham Watson: "I have no problem with an independent Catalonia"
Spain warns that "we no longer live in the eighteenth century"
The President of the European Liberals, Graham Watson, said "would have no problem with an independent Catalonia within the European Union." In an interview with ACN, the leader of ALDE in the European Parliament is in favor of a referendum in Catalonia "if that's what you want Catalans" and warns that the EU "must be sufficiently strong but flexible enough to allow people to express themselves from within. " "We are Democrats, and if that is what you want most, is what has happened," defense of the independence of Catalonia. Watson, who chairs the third political force in Europe, Spain warns that "we no longer live in the eighteenth century" or "in a time of kings and nation-states."
Watson argues that the debate over the independence of Catalonia and Scotland is "a very important issue for the EU" and the idea of the U.S. president "Woodrow Wilson's right to self-determination" is very much alive as evidenced processes Scotland and Catalan. He says the Union "must be sufficiently strong but flexible enough to allow people to express themselves from within, and this may mean changes to the boundaries."
"We are Democrats, and if that is what you want most, is what has to happen," the leader of the ALDE defends the European family party of Economic Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn Democratic Convergence of Catalonia ( CDC) and the British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. "I'm not opposed to a referendum in Catalonia if they want the Catalans, as would have no problem with an independent Catalonia in the European Union", stressed.
Asked about the Spanish opposition to hold an inquiry, Watson admits that Madrid are "very concerned" and explains that he has "experience dealing" with the Spanish government of the PP in its capacity as British MEP "and therefore as representative of Gibraltar. " "Spain is one of only five countries that have not recognized Kosovo, but I think it's time to wake up and recognize that we no longer live in the eighteenth century.'s Not a time of kings and nation-states," laments the political Scottish.
The President of the European Liberal defense that "the world has advanced and Europe must also do" and stressed that Madrid "should be clear" that should "work together" but "according to the democratically expressed will." Watson does not rule out the creation of a single candidate to the European parties Catalan independence supporters to feel stronger message to Brussels. "It could be the way to go," he admits, but warned that the decision "should discuss and take" in Catalonia.
Elections in May 2014
Graham Watson believes that the next European elections, scheduled for May 25, 2014, could have a greater share than others because people realize that the EU "will take important decisions that need democratic control." The Liberal leader believes the Democrats should "redouble efforts" to explain to the public "how important Europe for our lives" and that a better coordination of the parties at "supranational".
Watson is "very concerned about the growth of populist parties" such as the National Front in France, Golden Dawn, Greece, UKIP or the UK because "they are a danger to democracy." "Democracy is essential if we are out of these difficult times together," remarks.
