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Europe
Catalonia's Parliament OK's Independence New Charter
2005-10-01
MADRID, Spain (AP) - Catalonia's parliament approved a new charter Friday that called the wealthy region in northeastern Spain "a nation," wording that has some worried that the region is heading toward a break with Spain. Catalonia's semiautonomous parliament had gone through weeks of heated debates on changes to the charter, which defines its status within Spain.

"Catalonia is a nation," according to the first article in the 52-page charter, which the regional parliament approved with a 120-15 vote.

Spain's national parliament needs to approve the charter in order for it to become valid, but some constitutional experts warn that it may be unconstitutional. Opposition conservatives argue it represents another step toward the dismemberment of Spain. "Spanish citizens must be consulted before Congress takes irreversible steps," said Angel Acebes, secretary-general of the Popular Party, parliament's main opposition bloc, adding that the charter contained at least 50 points that were unconstitutional.

Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega said the government supports approval of the charter.
Since socialists tend not to worry much about what's constitutional when they're the ones in power.
The Mediterranean coastal, whose capital is Barcelona, is Spain's economic engine and takes pride in its distinct cultural identity. Under Spain's constitution, it and the rest of the 17 regions have varying degrees of self-rule. But Catalonia and the Basque region, which already have the most, are always clamoring for more. And their respective languages are a particular source of pride - and friction.
Posted by:Steve White

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