Catalan News Agency - Puigdemont met with US congressmen to discuss Catalonia’s independence
Puigdemont met with US congressmen to discuss Catalonia’s independence
CNA
Washington DC (CNA).- The current political situation in
Catalonia raises interest among US congressmen. This is what Catalan
President, Carles Puigdemont, observed this Tuesday during his official
trip to the US. Although the names of the congressmen were not made
public beforehand to prevent possible obstructions from the Spanish
diplomacy, Puigdemont met with two Republican and one Democrat to
discuss Catalonia’s pro-independence aspirations. He
denied having asked for their support in the event of Catalonia’s
independence but he assured that the information he gave them will allow
them to “take a stance” in the conflict between Catalonia and Spain.
Puigdemont, who refused to give further details on the content of the
conversations, admitted being “satisfied” with having the chance to
“explain himself” and “answer the congressmen’s questions and doubts.
Conference at Harvard
On Monday, Puigdemont addressed the Center for European Studies (CES)
at the Harvard Kennedy School and give the conference ‘Catalonia, Today
and Tomorrow’, his analysis of Catalonia’s current political situation
and its place within the EU. “Our struggle is a reflection of the fight
for American civil rights.” he said during the conference “Catalonia,
Today, Tomorrow, comparing Catalonia's pro-independence process to the
US civil rights movement in his”. However, in contrast with American
institutions which “have respected democracy and the will of its people
to adapt over time”.
Puigdemont lamented Spain's refusal to open a dialogue and agree on a
referendum so that Catalans can decide their political future. “We are
convinced that this is the best option,” he said but pointed out that
“up to now it has been impossible, due the Spanish Government’s
absolutely steadfast refusal to discuss it”. However, he warned,
“Catalonia will hold the referendum in any case.”
The visit continues in New York
This Wednesday, Puigdemont is expected to sign a collaboration
agreement on urban development between Incasòl, the Catalan Government's
subsidiary that manages public land throughout Catalonia, and the
Wilson Center, one of the most influential think tanks in the world.
He will finish his official trip in New York, where he is will explore future collaboration with the Jewish Museum.
Later, he will visit FC Barcelona’s new office in the city and will
finish his trip by visiting Europastry’s new plant in New Brunswick. The
Catalan family-owned business, founded in 1987, is Spain’s leader in
the frozen dough sector and the fifth most important in the world, with
3200 employees in its existing Long Island plant in addition to the 250
it has added in New Brunswick.
More on
Carles Puigdemont, Catalan President, Official visit, Pro-independence process, US Congressmen, US Trip, Washington DC
Catalan President,
Carles Puigdemont, together with Catalan Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Raül Romeva and and the Delegate of the Catalan Government to the United
States, Andrew Davis, at the US Congress in Washington DC (by ACN)
Carles Puigdemont, together with Catalan Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Raül Romeva and and the Delegate of the Catalan Government to the United
States, Andrew Davis, at the US Congress in Washington DC (by ACN)
