Egypt says respecting Spain’s constitution key to resolving Catalonian crisis

Egypt’s foreign ministry stressed in a statement on Sunday the importance of respecting the Spanish constitution as a key factor to solve the Catalonian crisis, affirming that Cairo recognises the situation as an internal Spanish affair.

“Egypt is following with concern the developments of the situation following the 1 October referendum, stressing the importance of adherence to the principles of the Spanish constitution and laws, as the cornerstone to overcome this crisis,” the statement said.

Foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid expressed Egypt’s hope that the friendly state of Spain would overcome this crisis as soon as possible in order to maintain its stability and preserve the capacities of the Spanish people.

Spain announced Saturday that it will move to dismiss Catalonia’s separatist government and call fresh elections in the semi-autonomous region in a bid to stop its leaders from declaring independence.

Home to 7.5 million people, the northeastern region fiercely defends its language and culture and enjoys control over its policing, education and healthcare.

In a crisis that has rattled stock markets and worried a European Union that is already struggling with Brexit, Catalonia held a banned independence referendum 1 October, with Puigdemont threatening to declare a breakaway state based on its results.

Source: Ahram Online