WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - 2nd March, 2019

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Madrid on Tuesday interacted with the Indian diaspora here and thanked them for their contribution, in diverse fields, in promoting relations between India and Spain.

"I feel at home even out of India because of meeting all of you. It is like being in India while staying out of India. My visit would have been incomplete if I haven't met the Indian community," Swaraj said after interacting with members of the Indian community here.

Among her engagements in Madrid, the external affairs minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart Josep Borrell Fontelles to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern, according to an official spokesperson.

The Spanish government will also confer upon the minister the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit for India`s swift response through 'Operation Maitri'&nbsp;in rescuing 71 Spanish nationals from Nepal in April 2015, in the wake of the disastrous earthquake.

Indian ambassador to Spain, Sanjay Verma said, "India's relations with Spain have gained momentum in the past two years with high-level visits and engagements, trade and investments."

India and Spain have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956.

Swaraj reached Madrid soon after visiting Morocco where she signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.

On February 16, Swaraj embarked on three-nation visit Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain to expand avenues of cooperation and provide an opportunity to discuss regional and global issued of importance.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Madrid on Tuesday interacted with the Indian diaspora here and thanked them for their contribution, in diverse fields, in promoting relations between India and Spain.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Madrid on Tuesday interacted with the Indian diaspora here and thanked them for their contribution, in diverse fields, in promoting relations between India and Spain. "I feel at home even out of India because of meeting all of you. It is like being in India while staying out of India. My visit would have been incomplete if I haven't met the Indian community," Swaraj said after interacting with members of the Indian community here. Among her engagements in Madrid, the external affairs minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart Josep Borrell Fontelles to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern, according to an official spokesperson. The Spanish government will also confer upon the minister the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit for India`s swift response through 'Operation Maitri' in rescuing 71 Spanish nationals from Nepal in April 2015, in the wake of the disastrous earthquake. Indian ambassador to Spain, Sanjay Verma said, "India's relations with Spain have gained momentum in the past two years with high-level visits and engagements, trade and investments." India and Spain have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956. Swaraj reached Madrid soon after visiting Morocco where she signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. On February 16, Swaraj embarked on three-nation visit Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain to expand avenues of cooperation and provide an opportunity to discuss regional and global issued of importance.

'Feel at home even out of India,' Sushma Swaraj says after meeting Indian diaspora in Spain

Regional authorities in northern Spain said Sunday they were battling around 50 fires, some of which were deliberately set.

By end of Sunday, 48 fires were still active, a statement from the government of the Cantabria region said.

"During the day we counted 50 fires, and 760 people from different administrations working to put them out," the statement added.

Since the first fires broke out on Thursday in the mountainous region, no people have been injured and "most of the fires took place in inaccessible areas and have not put the population or infrastructure in danger," the government added.

Two people have been arrested, the head of the Cantabria region, Miguel Angel Revilla, said on Spanish television, adding that there have been "no injuries, only five people have been evacuated" from the area.

Regional authorities in northern Spain said Sunday they were battling around 50 fires, some of which were deliberately set. By end of Sunday, 48 fires were still active, a statement from the government of the Cantabria region said.

Regional authorities in northern Spain said Sunday they were battling around 50 fires, some of which were deliberately set. By end of Sunday, 48 fires were still active, a statement from the government of the Cantabria region said. "During the day we counted 50 fires, and 760 people from different administrations working to put them out," the statement added. Since the first fires broke out on Thursday in the mountainous region, no people have been injured and "most of the fires took place in inaccessible areas and have not put the population or infrastructure in danger," the government added. Two people have been arrested, the head of the Cantabria region, Miguel Angel Revilla, said on Spanish television, adding that there have been "no injuries, only five people have been evacuated" from the area.

Northern Spain hit with 50 fires

In pictures: 'Seeking independence is not a crime,' Barcelona protesters say, take to streets demanding justice

Thousands march through Barcelona claiming independence

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to embark on a four-day visit to three countries -- Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. Swaraj will begin her tour on Saturday and return to India on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The visit from February 16 to 19 will begin from Bulgaria's capital Sofia where she will meet deputy prime minister and foreign minister.&nbsp;

According to MEA, this is the first ever visit of an Indian External Affairs Minister to Bulgaria.&nbsp;

The visit comes just 6 months after President Kovind's visit to the European country. During his visit, he unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Sofia's South Park along with President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the father of the nation.

From 17 to 18, EAM will visit Morocco during which she will meet her Morrocan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also call on King of Morocco King Mohammed VI. Three MoUs will also be signed in the areas of Counter Terrorism, Housing and &nbsp;Human Settlements and Youth Matters during the visit.&nbsp;

The visit to Morocco comes even as India is increasing its engagement with the African continent.&nbsp;

Spain to honour EAM&nbsp;

In the last leg of her visit, EAM will travel to Spain on 18-19 February.&nbsp;

During her visit, the Spanish Government will honour her with prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit for India´s swift response through Operation Maitri.&nbsp;

Operation Maitri was a relief and rescue mission launched by India after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The operation saw 71 Spanish nationals being rescued among thousands of others.

Order of Civil Merit was established by Spain's King Alfonso XIII in 1926 and recognises "the civic virtue of officers in the service of the Nation, as well as extraordinary service by Spanish and foreign citizens for the benefit of Spain."

Other recipients of the award include President of Mexico Felipe Calderón Hinojosa in 2012, President of United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2008.

She will be meeting the Indian community in all the 3 countries she is visiting.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to embark on a four-day visit to three countries -- Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. Swaraj will begin her tour on Saturday and return to India on Tuesday.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to embark on a four-day visit to three countries -- Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. Swaraj will begin her tour on Saturday and return to India on Tuesday. The visit from February 16 to 19 will begin from Bulgaria's capital Sofia where she will meet deputy prime minister and foreign minister. According to MEA, this is the first ever visit of an Indian External Affairs Minister to Bulgaria. The visit comes just 6 months after President Kovind's visit to the European country. During his visit, he unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Sofia's South Park along with President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the father of the nation. From 17 to 18, EAM will visit Morocco during which she will meet her Morrocan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also call on King of Morocco King Mohammed VI. Three MoUs will also be signed in the areas of Counter Terrorism, Housing and Human Settlements and Youth Matters during the visit. The visit to Morocco comes even as India is increasing its engagement with the African continent. Spain to honour EAM In the last leg of her visit, EAM will travel to Spain on 18-19 February. During her visit, the Spanish Government will honour her with prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit for India´s swift response through Operation Maitri. Operation Maitri was a relief and rescue mission launched by India after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The operation saw 71 Spanish nationals being rescued among thousands of others. Order of Civil Merit was established by Spain's King Alfonso XIII in 1926 and recognises "the civic virtue of officers in the service of the Nation, as well as extraordinary service by Spanish and foreign citizens for the benefit of Spain." Other recipients of the award include President of Mexico Felipe Calderón Hinojosa in 2012, President of United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2008. She will be meeting the Indian community in all the 3 countries she is visiting.

Sushma Swaraj to embark on three-nation tour from February 16 to 19

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday called a snap national election for April 28, potentially spelling months of uncertainty in the euro zone's fourth-largest economy, where the political landscape is increasingly fragmented.

Sanchez called the election after parliament voted down his minority government's budget bill.

"Between doing nothing and continuing without the budget and calling on Spaniards to have their say, I choose the second. Spain needs to keep advancing, progressing with tolerance, respect, moderation and common sense," Sanchez said in a televised address to the nation following a cabinet meeting.

"I have proposed to dissolve parliament and call elections for April 28th."

The demise of his Socialist government comes after just over eight months in office.

Opinion polls show that no single party would win enough votes to govern on its own, with possible coalition scenarios pointing to lengthy negotiations between three or more parties - potentially including the far-right Vox.

Sanchez took office in June and had since been leading a government that depended on the votes of small regional parties to pass legislation.

He was thrown against the ropes this week when Catalan nationalist parties, at a time of heightened tension over an independence drive by their region, deserted to help defeat the fiscal bill.

Sanchez's Socialists are leading in polls, with estimates from the last few months averaging at 24 percent, according to a poll of polls by daily El Pais.

But the conservative's People Party (PP) and centre-right Ciudadanos would not be far behind and could theoretically form a coalition with Vox, as they did in the Andalusia region in December.

But Ciudadanos might baulk at teaming up with the far-right nationally, preferring instead a three-way alliance with the Socialists and anti-austerity Podemos.

Markets were little changed after Sanchez's announcement.

Bond markets analysts have said any political impact on sentiment should be short lived given the country's decent macro-economic outlook.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday called a snap national election for April 28, potentially spelling months of uncertainty in the euro zone's fourth-largest economy, where the political landscape is increasingly fragmented.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday called a snap national election for April 28, potentially spelling months of uncertainty in the euro zone's fourth-largest economy, where the political landscape is increasingly fragmented. Sanchez called the election after parliament voted down his minority government's budget bill. "Between doing nothing and continuing without the budget and calling on Spaniards to have their say, I choose the second. Spain needs to keep advancing, progressing with tolerance, respect, moderation and common sense," Sanchez said in a televised address to the nation following a cabinet meeting. "I have proposed to dissolve parliament and call elections for April 28th." The demise of his Socialist government comes after just over eight months in office. Opinion polls show that no single party would win enough votes to govern on its own, with possible coalition scenarios pointing to lengthy negotiations between three or more parties - potentially including the far-right Vox. Sanchez took office in June and had since been leading a government that depended on the votes of small regional parties to pass legislation. He was thrown against the ropes this week when Catalan nationalist parties, at a time of heightened tension over an independence drive by their region, deserted to help defeat the fiscal bill. Sanchez's Socialists are leading in polls, with estimates from the last few months averaging at 24 percent, according to a poll of polls by daily El Pais. But the conservative's People Party (PP) and centre-right Ciudadanos would not be far behind and could theoretically form a coalition with Vox, as they did in the Andalusia region in December. But Ciudadanos might baulk at teaming up with the far-right nationally, preferring instead a three-way alliance with the Socialists and anti-austerity Podemos. Markets were little changed after Sanchez's announcement. Bond markets analysts have said any political impact on sentiment should be short lived given the country's decent macro-economic outlook.

Spain's Prime Minister calls snap election for April 28

Thousands rally in support of Catalan separatists

A dozen <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-high-as-spain-starts-trial-of-catalan-separatists-196885">Catalan separatist</a> leaders went on trial in Madrid on Tuesday over their roles in a failed independence bid that laid bare historical divisions and triggered Spain's biggest political crisis in decades.

Flanked by hundreds of police, pro- and anti-separatist demonstrators gathered outside the Supreme Court, where the defendants face charges of rebellion, sedition, and misuse of public funds.

Their supporters carried signs reading "Freedom for political prisoners" while a small rival group shouted "Golpista" or "coup plotter", portraying the region's independence declaration of October 2017 as an attempt to dismantle the Spanish state.

In his opening remarks to the trial, which is being transmitted live on national television, a lawyer defending two of the accused said they had the right to seek independence for their region.

"They have the right to defend that idea. It (self-determination) is a synonym of peace, not of war," Andreu Van den Eyndehe told the court.

The politically charged trial comes at a pivotal time for Spain's government, with a snap national election on the cards unless Catalan nationalist lawmakers support the 2019 budget in a vote scheduled for Wednesday.

Democracy under the spotlight

The case also exposes the workings of Spain's democracy - relatively young by western European standards - to their widest scrutiny since a failed coup in 1981.

That attempt, ended by a televised intervention by King Juan Carlos, occurred three years after the current constitution was approved to complete a democratic transition that began in 1975 with dictator Francisco Franco's death.

The constitution bans any Spanish region from seceding.

Supporters of the defendants, who face up to 25 years in prison if convicted, say they are political prisoners and that the trial itself is political. The government says they are being judged solely in line with the rule of law.

None of the 12 is scheduled to speak on the first day of the trial, which is dominated by procedural issues. Nine of them have been jailed without bail since late 2017 or early 2018.

Meanwhile, seven other politicians involved in the independence declaration - including former leader Carles Puigdemont - are in self-imposed exile in different parts of Europe. In Berlin on Tuesday, Puigdemont said the trial marked a stress test for Spain's democracy

The declaration followed a referendum carried out in defiance of a judicial ban, angering some Catalans and much of the rest of Spain.

But there was a shock at home as well as abroad when police used batons and rubber bullets on protesters on the day of the vote.

The Geneva-based International Commission of Jurists, a human rights group of judges and lawyers, said the trial risked restricting rights and could set a precedent.

Olivier Peter, a lawyer for one of the accused, said the world was looking at authorities in Madrid. "What they want is not to judge but to condemn (for) political reasons," he told reporters on Monday.

Budget bill backdrop

While declining to discuss any move towards Catalan independence, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has adopted a more conciliatory stance towards the secessionist movement than the conservative government that preceded him and tried to establish a dialogue.

But so far, nationalist lawmakers from the wealthy northeastern region have said they will block the budget bill, citing Sanchez's refusal to include an independence option in the talks.

With his party holding less than a quarter of seats in the lower parliamentary house, the absence of Catalan support for the budget would almost certainly sink the bill and in turn likely prompt a snap election.

In an early morning tweet, Sanchez said he expected both the right and pro-independence lawmakers to vote against his budget. "They both want the same: A divided Catalonia and a divided Spain. We are working for a Catalonia in peace and a united Spain," he said.

Secessionists have called on Catalans to briefly stop work at midday on Tuesday in protest against the trial and to join a rally in Barcelona in the evening. Another big demonstration is planned for Saturday and a general strike on February 21.

After imposing direct rule on Catalonia in October 2017 in response to the independence declaration, the previous conservative government called regional elections to curb the independence movement. But the move backfired as the secessionists retained a slim majority in the Catalan assembly.

The trial is expected to last at least three months, with a final ruling not before June.

A dozen Catalan separatist leaders went on trial in Madrid on Tuesday over their roles in a failed independence bid that laid bare historical divisions and triggered Spain's biggest political crisis in decades.

A dozen Catalan separatist leaders went on trial in Madrid on Tuesday over their roles in a failed independence bid that laid bare historical divisions and triggered Spain's biggest political crisis in decades. Flanked by hundreds of police, pro- and anti-separatist demonstrators gathered outside the Supreme Court, where the defendants face charges of rebellion, sedition, and misuse of public funds. Their supporters carried signs reading "Freedom for political prisoners" while a small rival group shouted "Golpista" or "coup plotter", portraying the region's independence declaration of October 2017 as an attempt to dismantle the Spanish state. In his opening remarks to the trial, which is being transmitted live on national television, a lawyer defending two of the accused said they had the right to seek independence for their region. "They have the right to defend that idea. It (self-determination) is a synonym of peace, not of war," Andreu Van den Eyndehe told the court. The politically charged trial comes at a pivotal time for Spain's government, with a snap national election on the cards unless Catalan nationalist lawmakers support the 2019 budget in a vote scheduled for Wednesday. Democracy under the spotlight The case also exposes the workings of Spain's democracy - relatively young by western European standards - to their widest scrutiny since a failed coup in 1981. That attempt, ended by a televised intervention by King Juan Carlos, occurred three years after the current constitution was approved to complete a democratic transition that began in 1975 with dictator Francisco Franco's death. The constitution bans any Spanish region from seceding. Supporters of the defendants, who face up to 25 years in prison if convicted, say they are political prisoners and that the trial itself is political. The government says they are being judged solely in line with the rule of law. None of the 12 is scheduled to speak on the first day of the trial, which is dominated by procedural issues. Nine of them have been jailed without bail since late 2017 or early 2018. Meanwhile, seven other politicians involved in the independence declaration - including former leader Carles Puigdemont - are in self-imposed exile in different parts of Europe. In Berlin on Tuesday, Puigdemont said the trial marked a stress test for Spain's democracy The declaration followed a referendum carried out in defiance of a judicial ban, angering some Catalans and much of the rest of Spain. But there was a shock at home as well as abroad when police used batons and rubber bullets on protesters on the day of the vote. The Geneva-based International Commission of Jurists, a human rights group of judges and lawyers, said the trial risked restricting rights and could set a precedent. Olivier Peter, a lawyer for one of the accused, said the world was looking at authorities in Madrid. "What they want is not to judge but to condemn (for) political reasons," he told reporters on Monday. Budget bill backdrop While declining to discuss any move towards Catalan independence, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has adopted a more conciliatory stance towards the secessionist movement than the conservative government that preceded him and tried to establish a dialogue. But so far, nationalist lawmakers from the wealthy northeastern region have said they will block the budget bill, citing Sanchez's refusal to include an independence option in the talks. With his party holding less than a quarter of seats in the lower parliamentary house, the absence of Catalan support for the budget would almost certainly sink the bill and in turn likely prompt a snap election. In an early morning tweet, Sanchez said he expected both the right and pro-independence lawmakers to vote against his budget. "They both want the same: A divided Catalonia and a divided Spain. We are working for a Catalonia in peace and a united Spain," he said. Secessionists have called on Catalans to briefly stop work at midday on Tuesday in protest against the trial and to join a rally in Barcelona in the evening. Another big demonstration is planned for Saturday and a general strike on February 21. After imposing direct rule on Catalonia in October 2017 in response to the independence declaration, the previous conservative government called regional elections to curb the independence movement. But the move backfired as the secessionists retained a slim majority in the Catalan assembly. The trial is expected to last at least three months, with a final ruling not before June.

Spain's divisions laid bare as Catalan separatists go on trial

12 Catalan leaders go on trial in Madrid over independence bid

Twelve Catalan politicians go on trial on Tuesday (February 12) for their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid, but they don't think they will get a fair trial, a defence lawyer said on Monday.

The case puts the spotlight back on Spain's biggest political crisis in decades and could make it flare once again as it refocuses attention on the region's push for secession.

The trial will decide if Catalan nationalist leaders stay in jail for their role in an independence drive banned by the Spanish Constitution.

The public prosecutor is seeking prison terms of up to 25 years on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

Supporters of Catalan independence say they are political prisoners, while Madrid accuses them of breaking the law.

Mariano Rajoy, who was Spanish prime minister at the time of the independence vote and its aftermath, will be among the witnesses.

The last time a trial for rebellion was held in Spain was in 1982 after a failed military coup attempt. Its leader, found guilty of rebellion by a military court, was sentenced to 30 years of prison.

Twelve Catalan politicians go on trial on Tuesday (February 12) for their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid, but they don't think they will get a fair trial, a defence lawyer said on Monday.

Twelve Catalan politicians go on trial on Tuesday (February 12) for their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid, but they don't think they will get a fair trial, a defence lawyer said on Monday. The case puts the spotlight back on Spain's biggest political crisis in decades and could make it flare once again as it refocuses attention on the region's push for secession. The trial will decide if Catalan nationalist leaders stay in jail for their role in an independence drive banned by the Spanish Constitution. The public prosecutor is seeking prison terms of up to 25 years on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. Supporters of Catalan independence say they are political prisoners, while Madrid accuses them of breaking the law. Mariano Rajoy, who was Spanish prime minister at the time of the independence vote and its aftermath, will be among the witnesses. The last time a trial for rebellion was held in Spain was in 1982 after a failed military coup attempt. Its leader, found guilty of rebellion by a military court, was sentenced to 30 years of prison.

Jailed Catalan leaders doubt they will get a fair trial: Defence lawyer

Tens of thousands of people waving Spain's red-and-yellow flag demonstrated in Madrid on Sunday to oppose any concessions by the government to Catalan pro-independence parties and to call for early elections.

Demonstrators chanting "Spain! Spain!" and "We want to vote!" filled the Plaza de Colon in the city centre in the largest protest Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has faced in eight months in office.

The opposition centre-right and far-right parties called the rally, seeking to make a show of force against Sanchez by capitalising on anger with Catalonia's separatist leaders and the government's efforts to establish a dialogue with them.

Around 45,000 people attended, officials said.

The government's proposal last Tuesday to appoint a rapporteur in talks among political parties to address the Catalan independence crisis galvanized the opposition, which has deemed it a betrayal and a surrender to pressure from Catalan separatists.

"The time of Sanchez's government has ended," Popular Party leader Pablo Casado told reporters before the protest. Some banners at the rally read "Sanchez, liar" and "Spain is not negotiable and cannot be sold".

Sanchez, who replaced a conservative government last June in a vote of confidence, holds just a quarter of the seats in parliament and relies on backing from anti-austerity party Podemos, Catalan nationalists and other small parties to pass laws.

The government is squeezed on both sides of the Catalan issue: Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said on Friday the talks were on track to fail because Catalan pro-independence groups had rejected the government's proposed framework. The Catalan groups want a referendum on independence included on the agenda, which Madrid will not accept.

UNITY?

Ana Puente, a 73-year-old retiree who attended the gathering, said she was protesting for a "united Spain".

"The government is giving many things to supporters of Catalan independence and is going to break Spain apart," said Raquel García, 76, who was carrying a Spanish flag.

Sanchez rejected that argument, telling a separate rally in the northern city of Santander: "The government works for the unity of Spain and that means to unify Spaniards and not to put one against the other as the right is doing today in Colon square."

The protest took place two days before the start of the trial of 12 Catalan independence leaders, who face up to 25 years in prison on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds for their role in a failed secession bid from Spain that they are accused of spearheading in 2017.

The government faces a key vote on Wednesday on its 2019 budget proposal, which will likely fail without the support of Catalan parties. But those parties have said their vote for the budget is conditional on the Catalan talks including the issue of independence, something the government will not include.

Failure by parliament to approve the budget bill could prompt a snap election before the next scheduled vote in 2020.

Recent opinion polls have shown the conservative Popular Party, center-right Ciudadanos and far-right Vox could together win a majority of seats in parliament if elections were held, allowing them to replace the Socialist government.

Tens of thousands of people waving Spain's red-and-yellow flag demonstrated in Madrid on Sunday to oppose any concessions by the government to Catalan pro-independence parties and to call for early elections.

Tens of thousands of people waving Spain's red-and-yellow flag demonstrated in Madrid on Sunday to oppose any concessions by the government to Catalan pro-independence parties and to call for early elections. Demonstrators chanting "Spain! Spain!" and "We want to vote!" filled the Plaza de Colon in the city centre in the largest protest Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has faced in eight months in office. The opposition centre-right and far-right parties called the rally, seeking to make a show of force against Sanchez by capitalising on anger with Catalonia's separatist leaders and the government's efforts to establish a dialogue with them. Around 45,000 people attended, officials said. The government's proposal last Tuesday to appoint a rapporteur in talks among political parties to address the Catalan independence crisis galvanized the opposition, which has deemed it a betrayal and a surrender to pressure from Catalan separatists. "The time of Sanchez's government has ended," Popular Party leader Pablo Casado told reporters before the protest. Some banners at the rally read "Sanchez, liar" and "Spain is not negotiable and cannot be sold". Sanchez, who replaced a conservative government last June in a vote of confidence, holds just a quarter of the seats in parliament and relies on backing from anti-austerity party Podemos, Catalan nationalists and other small parties to pass laws. The government is squeezed on both sides of the Catalan issue: Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said on Friday the talks were on track to fail because Catalan pro-independence groups had rejected the government's proposed framework. The Catalan groups want a referendum on independence included on the agenda, which Madrid will not accept. UNITY? Ana Puente, a 73-year-old retiree who attended the gathering, said she was protesting for a "united Spain". "The government is giving many things to supporters of Catalan independence and is going to break Spain apart," said Raquel García, 76, who was carrying a Spanish flag. Sanchez rejected that argument, telling a separate rally in the northern city of Santander: "The government works for the unity of Spain and that means to unify Spaniards and not to put one against the other as the right is doing today in Colon square." The protest took place two days before the start of the trial of 12 Catalan independence leaders, who face up to 25 years in prison on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds for their role in a failed secession bid from Spain that they are accused of spearheading in 2017. The government faces a key vote on Wednesday on its 2019 budget proposal, which will likely fail without the support of Catalan parties. But those parties have said their vote for the budget is conditional on the Catalan talks including the issue of independence, something the government will not include. Failure by parliament to approve the budget bill could prompt a snap election before the next scheduled vote in 2020. Recent opinion polls have shown the conservative Popular Party, center-right Ciudadanos and far-right Vox could together win a majority of seats in parliament if elections were held, allowing them to replace the Socialist government.

Madrid demonstrators reject government's Catalonia policy

Red and yellow Spanish flags daubed the front pages of the country's conservative newspapers on Sunday as the capital braced for what was billed to be the biggest challenge to Spain’s prime minister since he took office, as tens of thousands of aggrieved opposition supporters called for fresh elections over what they consider his mishandling of the territorial crisis in Catalonia.&nbsp;

By midday, the colours were even more ubiquitous as a sea of flag-waving protesters washed into Madrid's Plaza de Colón, home of the largest Spanish flag in the world, where civilians and politicians launched what felt like an unofficial election campaign against Pedro Sánchez, leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE).

"I'm here to ask for elections, the prime minister we have at the moment is only occupying himself with the one region (Catalonia) in order to stay in power," said 23-year-old nursing student Juan Antonio, who declined to give his surname.&nbsp;

Sánchez's decision to take a diplomatic route when dealing with the regional government in Catalonia lies at the heart of the discontent being vented at the downtown Madrid square.

To some, including opposition party leaders, his actions are considered tantamount to treason.

But for Juan Antonio, it was the electoral process – or lack thereof in his view – that presented a pressing concern.

"I am not some sort of radical, the only thing I want is for Pedro Sánchez to govern for all Spaniards," he said.&nbsp;

Sánchez came to power on the back of a no-confidence vote in June 2018 against his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy, of the Popular Party.&nbsp;

Although his ascent was conducted in accordance with Spain's Constitution, his opponents have singled the process out as reason enough for new elections in Spain.

He currently presides of a minority government that relies on smaller parties, including Catalan separatist outfits, to pass legislation.&nbsp;

The PP and the centre-right Ciudadanos organized the protest after Sánchez's government unveiled a proposal to appoint a mediator to facilitate dialogue with the regional Catalan leaders. Vox, an emergent far-right group, also signed up for the event.&nbsp;

"No more socialist surrender, no more pro-independence blackmail," Pablo Casado, the leader of the PP, told reporters gathered in a cordoned-off area near the vast monument to Christopher Columbus at the square, which is dedicated to the Italian explorer's exploits in the name of the crown of Castille.&nbsp;

"Today begins the reconquest of the hearts of Spaniards who have said: enough," added the leader of the opposition, who has previously flung accusations of high treason toward the PM for his approach to Catalonia. "We say enough is enough; call elections now," he said.&nbsp;

Albert Rivera, the leader of Ciudadanos – a party initially founded in the Catalonia region to campaign against separatist outfits – also gave an address with the same message at its heart.&nbsp;

"That's enough of separatists defining our journey and enough of the Spanish population forced to be at the service of those who want to liquidate this country," he said.&nbsp;

Parties on the Spanish right have found common cause in the Catalan crisis as all stand firmly against concessions or negotiations but the logistical affiliation linking the PP, Ciudadanos, and Vox, is insecure.&nbsp;

The leaders of the more mainstream outfits were careful not to share a podium with the ultra-nationalist Vox, whose leader Santiago Abascal, also spoke at the demonstration.

Although a small party, Vox has gained media attention for its controversial views on women's rights and immigration.

All of the main political figures at the event did, however, strike a pose together for a group photograph.

Vox acted as kingmaker when it broke onto Spain's political stage in the regional Andalusian elections late last year. The PP now governs the populous region with the backing of Ciudadanos and Vox following an agreement that brought an end to 40-years of socialist rule there.&nbsp;

Socialist Party officials were quick to downplay the magnitude of the demonstration.&nbsp;

PSOE’s deputy secretary general, Adriana Lastra, shared a graph on her Twitter page which allegedly showed the declining number of attendants at conservative-backed protests of the years.&nbsp;

"Spain has turned its back on the far right," she said.

Center-left and left-wing politicians highlighted that the Gay Pride parade in 2018 and International Women's Day had drawn bigger crowds.

Speaking from the northern city of Santander, where he was attending an event, Sánchez said that he respected the demonstration but defended his government's actions.

"What I'm doing now as prime minister is resolving the national crisis that the PP aggravated when it was in government," he said.

The left-wing Podemos party was more stinging in its criticism of the demonstration's organizers.&nbsp;

"I am sure that many of those protesting in Plaza de Colón today love Spain, the problem is that the organizers don't," said Pablo Echenique, head of party organization, said. "The organizers live off promoting hate between Spanish people," he added.&nbsp;

The demonstration came just days before 12 jailed Catalan separatist politicians and activists, including former ministers and the former regional vice-president, are due to go on trial at the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Here they could face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for their alleged role in an illegal independence referendum that in Oct. 2017 brought the country to the brink of a constitutional crisis.&nbsp;

The Catalan crisis, which had been simmering for years, exploded in 2017 with the events that led up to the Oct. 1 referendum on the prosperous region's secession from the rest of the country, which was deemed unconstitutional by the judiciary.

Several weeks later, the regional government unilaterally declared independence and Spain triggered a constitutional mechanism, Article 155, to strip the region of its autonomy, depose the local government and dissolve parliament.

Fresh elections saw the pro-independence parties again eke out a slim majority in the regional parliament, thus assuring a continuation of the territorial conflict between Barcelona and Madrid.&nbsp;

While the Socialist Party opposes Catalan independence, Sánchez only rose to power thanks to the votes of the Catalan European Democratic Party (PDeCat) and the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) party, whose lawmakers backed him in the successful no-confidence vote against Rajoy.

The Spanish government now desperately needs those same votes from ERC and PDeCAT, who now jointly govern Catalonia, in order to pass an ambitious budget bill that would be doomed without the Catalan nationalists' support.

Both Rivera Casado have urged the government to re-apply Article 155 of the Constitution on Catalonia.&nbsp;

Red and yellow Spanish flags daubed the front pages of the country's conservative newspapers on Sunday as the capital braced for what was billed to be the biggest challenge to Spain’s prime minister since he took office, as tens of thousands of aggrieved opposition supporters called for fresh elections over what they consider his mishandling of the territorial crisis in Catalonia.

Red and yellow Spanish flags daubed the front pages of the country's conservative newspapers on Sunday as the capital braced for what was billed to be the biggest challenge to Spain’s prime minister since he took office, as tens of thousands of aggrieved opposition supporters called for fresh elections over what they consider his mishandling of the territorial crisis in Catalonia. By midday, the colours were even more ubiquitous as a sea of flag-waving protesters washed into Madrid's Plaza de Colón, home of the largest Spanish flag in the world, where civilians and politicians launched what felt like an unofficial election campaign against Pedro Sánchez, leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE). "I'm here to ask for elections, the prime minister we have at the moment is only occupying himself with the one region (Catalonia) in order to stay in power," said 23-year-old nursing student Juan Antonio, who declined to give his surname. Sánchez's decision to take a diplomatic route when dealing with the regional government in Catalonia lies at the heart of the discontent being vented at the downtown Madrid square. To some, including opposition party leaders, his actions are considered tantamount to treason. But for Juan Antonio, it was the electoral process – or lack thereof in his view – that presented a pressing concern. "I am not some sort of radical, the only thing I want is for Pedro Sánchez to govern for all Spaniards," he said. Sánchez came to power on the back of a no-confidence vote in June 2018 against his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy, of the Popular Party. Although his ascent was conducted in accordance with Spain's Constitution, his opponents have singled the process out as reason enough for new elections in Spain. He currently presides of a minority government that relies on smaller parties, including Catalan separatist outfits, to pass legislation. The PP and the centre-right Ciudadanos organized the protest after Sánchez's government unveiled a proposal to appoint a mediator to facilitate dialogue with the regional Catalan leaders. Vox, an emergent far-right group, also signed up for the event. "No more socialist surrender, no more pro-independence blackmail," Pablo Casado, the leader of the PP, told reporters gathered in a cordoned-off area near the vast monument to Christopher Columbus at the square, which is dedicated to the Italian explorer's exploits in the name of the crown of Castille. "Today begins the reconquest of the hearts of Spaniards who have said: enough," added the leader of the opposition, who has previously flung accusations of high treason toward the PM for his approach to Catalonia. "We say enough is enough; call elections now," he said. Albert Rivera, the leader of Ciudadanos – a party initially founded in the Catalonia region to campaign against separatist outfits – also gave an address with the same message at its heart. "That's enough of separatists defining our journey and enough of the Spanish population forced to be at the service of those who want to liquidate this country," he said. Parties on the Spanish right have found common cause in the Catalan crisis as all stand firmly against concessions or negotiations but the logistical affiliation linking the PP, Ciudadanos, and Vox, is insecure. The leaders of the more mainstream outfits were careful not to share a podium with the ultra-nationalist Vox, whose leader Santiago Abascal, also spoke at the demonstration. Although a small party, Vox has gained media attention for its controversial views on women's rights and immigration. All of the main political figures at the event did, however, strike a pose together for a group photograph. Vox acted as kingmaker when it broke onto Spain's political stage in the regional Andalusian elections late last year. The PP now governs the populous region with the backing of Ciudadanos and Vox following an agreement that brought an end to 40-years of socialist rule there. Socialist Party officials were quick to downplay the magnitude of the demonstration. PSOE’s deputy secretary general, Adriana Lastra, shared a graph on her Twitter page which allegedly showed the declining number of attendants at conservative-backed protests of the years. "Spain has turned its back on the far right," she said. Center-left and left-wing politicians highlighted that the Gay Pride parade in 2018 and International Women's Day had drawn bigger crowds. Speaking from the northern city of Santander, where he was attending an event, Sánchez said that he respected the demonstration but defended his government's actions. "What I'm doing now as prime minister is resolving the national crisis that the PP aggravated when it was in government," he said. The left-wing Podemos party was more stinging in its criticism of the demonstration's organizers. "I am sure that many of those protesting in Plaza de Colón today love Spain, the problem is that the organizers don't," said Pablo Echenique, head of party organization, said. "The organizers live off promoting hate between Spanish people," he added. The demonstration came just days before 12 jailed Catalan separatist politicians and activists, including former ministers and the former regional vice-president, are due to go on trial at the Supreme Court. Here they could face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for their alleged role in an illegal independence referendum that in Oct. 2017 brought the country to the brink of a constitutional crisis. The Catalan crisis, which had been simmering for years, exploded in 2017 with the events that led up to the Oct. 1 referendum on the prosperous region's secession from the rest of the country, which was deemed unconstitutional by the judiciary. Several weeks later, the regional government unilaterally declared independence and Spain triggered a constitutional mechanism, Article 155, to strip the region of its autonomy, depose the local government and dissolve parliament. Fresh elections saw the pro-independence parties again eke out a slim majority in the regional parliament, thus assuring a continuation of the territorial conflict between Barcelona and Madrid. While the Socialist Party opposes Catalan independence, Sánchez only rose to power thanks to the votes of the Catalan European Democratic Party (PDeCat) and the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) party, whose lawmakers backed him in the successful no-confidence vote against Rajoy. The Spanish government now desperately needs those same votes from ERC and PDeCAT, who now jointly govern Catalonia, in order to pass an ambitious budget bill that would be doomed without the Catalan nationalists' support. Both Rivera Casado have urged the government to re-apply Article 155 of the Constitution on Catalonia.

Protesters clamor for fresh elections in Spain as Catalan crisis trundles on

A dozen Spanish lawyers were preparing on Thursday for what looks set to be the court appearances of their lives as they hone the defence cases for Catalan separatist leaders who are facing serious charges after having held an illegal regional referendum and spearheaded a bid to secede unilaterally from the rest of Spain.

More than 600 journalists from over 170 different international media organisations have been accredited to cover a legal milestone that Spain's media has already labeled as the trial of the century because it has taken such a high political significance.

Around 2.25 million people turned out in the 2017 referendum across Catalonia and 90 percent favoured a split from Spain while nearly eight per cent of the 5.3 registered voters rejected independence. Many opponents to the vote did not cast their ballots, left them blank or void, regional authorities said.

However, the Spanish judiciary found the referendum was illegal because it went against the country’s constitution and the separatist movement's leaders were thus tried under criminal, not civil, law.

Spain's public prosecutor on November 2 filed rebellion charges against the leaders who are currently in pre-trial detention and who face sentences of up to 25 years, although the deposed president of the Catalan government, Carles Puigdemont, was in self-imposed exile in Belgium and will, for the moment, not face trial.

The case is set to start on February 12 at Spain's Supreme Court, a palatial former royal convent in the heart of Madrid, and the lineup of defence lawyers is almost as varied as the politicians and activists they are to represent.

While the legal representatives will all wear traditional togas in court and have cultivated an image of unity, they are in fact working on quite disparate strategies, varying in approach from the most technical to the most ideological, and not all lawyers share political affinities with their clients.

Those who have the toughest jobs are the ones who represent political leaders who have not given up their political aspirations, such as Oriol Junqueras, the former vice president of the Catalan government who belongs to the Republican Left of Catalonia party (ERC) and former regional lawmaker Jordi Turull.

Both have stated that they would continue in politics despite being currently behind bars.

Here is a list of those involved:

Andreu Van den Eynde: will represent Oriol Junqueras and Raul Romeva

A lawyer for the ERC party, Van den Eynde, an expert in cybercrime and criminal liability, is one of the youngest lawyers who will be present at the Supreme Court. He gave legal advice to the Catalan republican formation on how to avoid fraud charges.

He was born in 1975 in Paris, to where his father had fled to escape the dictatorship of Spanish Gen. Francisco Franco, and his ancestors hailed from Flemish lands in northern Belgium. Both his parents were Trotskyists.

He began his professional career at the law firm Luis del Castillo, before setting up his own law firm.

Van den Eynde is well versed in the legal complexity of the Catalan independence movement and defended former Catalan parliament speaker Carme Forcadell in 2017.

He is active on Twitter, where he reels off posts that usually contain subtle double-meanings and in his spare time, he is a guitarist in the trash metal band "Vientos de Poder."

Van den Eynde's defence cases usually carry a hefty political charge and he often takes them to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

He is known to have high hopes of taking the Catalan case to that court.

Jordi Pina: Defending Jordi Turull and Josep Rull

Pina is perhaps the most media-savvy lawyer in this group, as he has often been seen on television arguing that the treatment meted out by the Spanish authorities on the separatist leaders has been overly harsh.

He works at the prestigious law firm Molins &amp; Silva and there have been few cases of political corruption that Pina has not been involved in, to some extent. 
Pina is loquacious and possesses a vehement style that enables him to shine in the final summings-up.

Pina was elected in 2017 as vice-dean of the Bar Association of Barcelona and in his spare time is known to enjoy hiking in the mountains and looking for mushrooms.

Xavier Melero: Defending Joaquim Forn

Melero is unusual in this group as he has not formed any part of the separatist or republican tendencies of others who will appear in court. Some 15 years ago he frequented the meetings that led to the foundation of the business-friendly, right-of-center, Ciudadanos (Citizens) party that today stands at the opposite end of separatism.

Despite this, like Pina, the 61-year-old Melero is a long-time defender of pro-independence activists who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law like Oriol Pujol, the embattled former treasurer of the Catalan nationalist Democratic Convergence of Catalonia party.

He is a fan of the sport of boxing and his trademark tortoiseshell glasses lend him a certain British air that matches his renowned predilection for irony which he displays in public, in court and, often, also in his writings.

Melero does not favour appearing in the media, although he unwittingly became a household name when he defended the former Catalan president, Artur Mas, who is regarded by many as the architect of Spain’s current separatist woes with regards Catalonia.

Olga Arderiu: Carme Forcadell

Forcadell's lawyer worked for nine years in the Molins office before embarking, in 2007, on her solo career as the founder of the MDA law firm and is known to be the soul of discretion.

Born in Berga (Barcelona) 43 years ago, Arderiu has been a board member of Barcelona’s Bar Association for two years, where she was a member of the Commission of Women Lawyers and has a long career in areas such as gender violence and gender policy.

Marina Roig: Jordi Cuixart

Roig is the lawyer who has been least exposed to the media. This heavyweight case will be her first before the Supreme Court.

She has previously made a name for herself in fraud and money laundering cases.

She is a founding partner of the firm Roig &amp; Bergés &amp; Martínez and president of the criminal section of Barcelona’s Bar Association.

Like Van den Eynde, she has her sights set on Strasbourg.

Mariano Berges: Dolors Bassa

Bassa is a co-founder of the Marina Roig law firm and has a track record of defending large companies and multinationals.

He is an associate professor of Criminal Law at the University of Barcelona where he lectures on masters degree courses and is well known as an expert in criminal compliance.

Josep Riba: Carles Mundo

Mondo has made a career of defending high profile clients including politicians, businessmen, bankers and athletes, such as soccer star Samuel Eto'o.

The 51-year-old is known for having an impeccable style inside and outside court, and is a member of the reputable Barcelona firm Morales Abogados.

He also lectures as a professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Esade.

Judit Gene: Meritxell Borras

She is another of the lawyers trained in the Molins Advocats office, where she met Xavier Melero, with whom she set up her own law firm in 2009 that has become a benchmark for regional Catalan politicians investigated for corruption.

Born in the small town of Tora, Gene, member of the criminal law section of the Bar Association of Barcelona, also worked - during a three-year hiatus - at the renowned law firm Cuatrecasas de Barcelona.

Pau Molins: Santi Vila

Molins is a member of one of Catalonia’s most renowned families, which is also one of Spain richest.

He founded the law firm Molins &amp; Silva in 1994 and since 2013 also been associated with the firm led by Miquel Roca, one of the most prestigious in Barcelona.

The 57-year-old, Molins combines practicing law with being director of the family’s well-established Cementos Molins cement manufacturing company.

As a lawyer, he has defended the king of Spain’s sister, Infanta Cristina, and the ex-president of Barcelona soccer club, among others.

A dozen Spanish lawyers were preparing on Thursday for what looks set to be the court appearances of their lives as they hone the defence cases for Catalan separatist leaders who are facing serious charges after having held an illegal regional referendum and spearheaded a bid to secede unilaterally from the rest of Spain.

A dozen Spanish lawyers were preparing on Thursday for what looks set to be the court appearances of their lives as they hone the defence cases for Catalan separatist leaders who are facing serious charges after having held an illegal regional referendum and spearheaded a bid to secede unilaterally from the rest of Spain. More than 600 journalists from over 170 different international media organisations have been accredited to cover a legal milestone that Spain's media has already labeled as the trial of the century because it has taken such a high political significance. Around 2.25 million people turned out in the 2017 referendum across Catalonia and 90 percent favoured a split from Spain while nearly eight per cent of the 5.3 registered voters rejected independence. Many opponents to the vote did not cast their ballots, left them blank or void, regional authorities said. However, the Spanish judiciary found the referendum was illegal because it went against the country’s constitution and the separatist movement's leaders were thus tried under criminal, not civil, law. Spain's public prosecutor on November 2 filed rebellion charges against the leaders who are currently in pre-trial detention and who face sentences of up to 25 years, although the deposed president of the Catalan government, Carles Puigdemont, was in self-imposed exile in Belgium and will, for the moment, not face trial. The case is set to start on February 12 at Spain's Supreme Court, a palatial former royal convent in the heart of Madrid, and the lineup of defence lawyers is almost as varied as the politicians and activists they are to represent. While the legal representatives will all wear traditional togas in court and have cultivated an image of unity, they are in fact working on quite disparate strategies, varying in approach from the most technical to the most ideological, and not all lawyers share political affinities with their clients. Those who have the toughest jobs are the ones who represent political leaders who have not given up their political aspirations, such as Oriol Junqueras, the former vice president of the Catalan government who belongs to the Republican Left of Catalonia party (ERC) and former regional lawmaker Jordi Turull. Both have stated that they would continue in politics despite being currently behind bars. Here is a list of those involved: Andreu Van den Eynde: will represent Oriol Junqueras and Raul Romeva A lawyer for the ERC party, Van den Eynde, an expert in cybercrime and criminal liability, is one of the youngest lawyers who will be present at the Supreme Court. He gave legal advice to the Catalan republican formation on how to avoid fraud charges. He was born in 1975 in Paris, to where his father had fled to escape the dictatorship of Spanish Gen. Francisco Franco, and his ancestors hailed from Flemish lands in northern Belgium. Both his parents were Trotskyists. He began his professional career at the law firm Luis del Castillo, before setting up his own law firm. Van den Eynde is well versed in the legal complexity of the Catalan independence movement and defended former Catalan parliament speaker Carme Forcadell in 2017. He is active on Twitter, where he reels off posts that usually contain subtle double-meanings and in his spare time, he is a guitarist in the trash metal band "Vientos de Poder." Van den Eynde's defence cases usually carry a hefty political charge and he often takes them to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. He is known to have high hopes of taking the Catalan case to that court. Jordi Pina: Defending Jordi Turull and Josep Rull Pina is perhaps the most media-savvy lawyer in this group, as he has often been seen on television arguing that the treatment meted out by the Spanish authorities on the separatist leaders has been overly harsh. He works at the prestigious law firm Molins & Silva and there have been few cases of political corruption that Pina has not been involved in, to some extent. Pina is loquacious and possesses a vehement style that enables him to shine in the final summings-up. Pina was elected in 2017 as vice-dean of the Bar Association of Barcelona and in his spare time is known to enjoy hiking in the mountains and looking for mushrooms. Xavier Melero: Defending Joaquim Forn Melero is unusual in this group as he has not formed any part of the separatist or republican tendencies of others who will appear in court. Some 15 years ago he frequented the meetings that led to the foundation of the business-friendly, right-of-center, Ciudadanos (Citizens) party that today stands at the opposite end of separatism. Despite this, like Pina, the 61-year-old Melero is a long-time defender of pro-independence activists who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law like Oriol Pujol, the embattled former treasurer of the Catalan nationalist Democratic Convergence of Catalonia party. He is a fan of the sport of boxing and his trademark tortoiseshell glasses lend him a certain British air that matches his renowned predilection for irony which he displays in public, in court and, often, also in his writings. Melero does not favour appearing in the media, although he unwittingly became a household name when he defended the former Catalan president, Artur Mas, who is regarded by many as the architect of Spain’s current separatist woes with regards Catalonia. Olga Arderiu: Carme Forcadell Forcadell's lawyer worked for nine years in the Molins office before embarking, in 2007, on her solo career as the founder of the MDA law firm and is known to be the soul of discretion. Born in Berga (Barcelona) 43 years ago, Arderiu has been a board member of Barcelona’s Bar Association for two years, where she was a member of the Commission of Women Lawyers and has a long career in areas such as gender violence and gender policy. Marina Roig: Jordi Cuixart Roig is the lawyer who has been least exposed to the media. This heavyweight case will be her first before the Supreme Court. She has previously made a name for herself in fraud and money laundering cases. She is a founding partner of the firm Roig & Bergés & Martínez and president of the criminal section of Barcelona’s Bar Association. Like Van den Eynde, she has her sights set on Strasbourg. Mariano Berges: Dolors Bassa Bassa is a co-founder of the Marina Roig law firm and has a track record of defending large companies and multinationals. He is an associate professor of Criminal Law at the University of Barcelona where he lectures on masters degree courses and is well known as an expert in criminal compliance. Josep Riba: Carles Mundo Mondo has made a career of defending high profile clients including politicians, businessmen, bankers and athletes, such as soccer star Samuel Eto'o. The 51-year-old is known for having an impeccable style inside and outside court, and is a member of the reputable Barcelona firm Morales Abogados. He also lectures as a professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Esade. Judit Gene: Meritxell Borras She is another of the lawyers trained in the Molins Advocats office, where she met Xavier Melero, with whom she set up her own law firm in 2009 that has become a benchmark for regional Catalan politicians investigated for corruption. Born in the small town of Tora, Gene, member of the criminal law section of the Bar Association of Barcelona, also worked - during a three-year hiatus - at the renowned law firm Cuatrecasas de Barcelona. Pau Molins: Santi Vila Molins is a member of one of Catalonia’s most renowned families, which is also one of Spain richest. He founded the law firm Molins & Silva in 1994 and since 2013 also been associated with the firm led by Miquel Roca, one of the most prestigious in Barcelona. The 57-year-old, Molins combines practicing law with being director of the family’s well-established Cementos Molins cement manufacturing company. As a lawyer, he has defended the king of Spain’s sister, Infanta Cristina, and the ex-president of Barcelona soccer club, among others.

Meet the lawyers who will defend Catalan separatists in Spain's Supreme Court

Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has accepted a one-year prison sentence for defrauding the Spanish state of 3.3 million euros ($3.77 million), a Spanish court filing showed on Tuesday, although the Portuguese will not serve any jail time.

The filing said the tax ministry and Mourinho`s defence team had agreed to exchange the 12-month prison sentence with a daily fine of 250 euros for 24 months, equivalent to 182,500 euros, as under Spanish law jail terms under two years can be served under probation.

The court filing said Mourinho leased his image rights to companies based in the British Virgin Islands and Ireland in 2004 but left those earnings out of his tax returns from 2011 and 2012, when he was coach of Real Madrid and a fiscal resident in Spain, "with the aim of obtaining illicit profits".

As well as the one-year prison sentence, Mourinho has been fined 1.9 million euros, 60 per cent of the amount defrauded, as well as 121,764 euros in interest.

Mourinho, 56, is one of the most successful coaches in modern European soccer, winning league titles with Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Porto. He also won the Champions League in 2004 with Porto and in 2010 with Inter Milan.

He was sacked in December by Manchester United after the Premier League club, who won the last of their record 20 top flight league titles in 2013, endured their worst start to a season for 28 years.

Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has accepted a one-year prison sentence for defrauding the Spanish state of 3.3 million euros ($3.77 million), a Spanish court filing showed on Tuesday, although the Portuguese will not serve any jail time.

Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has accepted a one-year prison sentence for defrauding the Spanish state of 3.3 million euros ($3.77 million), a Spanish court filing showed on Tuesday, although the Portuguese will not serve any jail time. The filing said the tax ministry and Mourinho`s defence team had agreed to exchange the 12-month prison sentence with a daily fine of 250 euros for 24 months, equivalent to 182,500 euros, as under Spanish law jail terms under two years can be served under probation. The court filing said Mourinho leased his image rights to companies based in the British Virgin Islands and Ireland in 2004 but left those earnings out of his tax returns from 2011 and 2012, when he was coach of Real Madrid and a fiscal resident in Spain, "with the aim of obtaining illicit profits". As well as the one-year prison sentence, Mourinho has been fined 1.9 million euros, 60 per cent of the amount defrauded, as well as 121,764 euros in interest. Mourinho, 56, is one of the most successful coaches in modern European soccer, winning league titles with Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Porto. He also won the Champions League in 2004 with Porto and in 2010 with Inter Milan. He was sacked in December by Manchester United after the Premier League club, who won the last of their record 20 top flight league titles in 2013, endured their worst start to a season for 28 years.

Jose Mourinho fined for tax fraud in Spain in lieu of jail time

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-speaks-with-venezuelas-guaido-praises-courage-and-leadership-194951">Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido</a> as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.

"UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let's hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognises <a href="https://twitter.com/jguaido?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jguaido</a> as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let’s hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt/status/1092349500688158720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Venezuelans have the right to express themselves freely and democratically. France recognises @jguaido as 'acting president' to implement an electoral process," President Emmanuel Macron tweeted in both French and Spanish.

"The Spanish government announces that it officially recognises Venezuela's National Assembly president, Mr Guaido Marquez, as acting president of Venezuela," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters, calling on Guaido to call elections quickly.

During a visit to Tokyo Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "As of yesterday, no presidential election had been called."&nbsp;

"Therefore, Guaido is the person we are talking to and we expect him to begin an election process as soon as possible. He is the legitimate interim president for this task from Germany's point of view and from the point of view of several European countries.&nbsp;We hope that this process can be carried out as quickly and peacefully as possible."

'Guaido has legitimacy to organise presidential elections'

France said that Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido had "the legitimacy to organise presidential elections" after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a European ultimatum to call a snap vote on his rule.

Seven EU states had given Maduro a Sunday deadline to call presidential elections failing which they would recognise 35-year-old Guaido, who heads Venezuela's National Assembly, as the country's interim president.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter radio that "faced with President Maduro's refusal to organise presidential elections which would clarify, calm the situation in Venezuela... we consider that Mr Guaido has the capacity and legitimacy to organise these elections."

Asked whether France now recognised Guaido as interim president Le Drian did not answer directly, saying the government would discuss the issue with its European neighbours.

Maduro said Sunday he would not give into ultimatums. He has offered to call early parliamentary elections instead.

But Le Drian insisted that only a presidential election could end the crisis "because it's a presidential regime" in Venezuela.

Guaido has already declared himself acting president. On January 23, he declared Maduro's presidency was "illegitimate" as it was founded on flawed elections.

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections. "UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let's hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement on Twitter. Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let’s hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) February 4, 2019 × "Venezuelans have the right to express themselves freely and democratically. France recognises @jguaido as 'acting president' to implement an electoral process," President Emmanuel Macron tweeted in both French and Spanish. "The Spanish government announces that it officially recognises Venezuela's National Assembly president, Mr Guaido Marquez, as acting president of Venezuela," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters, calling on Guaido to call elections quickly. During a visit to Tokyo Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "As of yesterday, no presidential election had been called." "Therefore, Guaido is the person we are talking to and we expect him to begin an election process as soon as possible. He is the legitimate interim president for this task from Germany's point of view and from the point of view of several European countries. We hope that this process can be carried out as quickly and peacefully as possible." 'Guaido has legitimacy to organise presidential elections' France said that Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido had "the legitimacy to organise presidential elections" after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a European ultimatum to call a snap vote on his rule. Seven EU states had given Maduro a Sunday deadline to call presidential elections failing which they would recognise 35-year-old Guaido, who heads Venezuela's National Assembly, as the country's interim president. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter radio that "faced with President Maduro's refusal to organise presidential elections which would clarify, calm the situation in Venezuela... we consider that Mr Guaido has the capacity and legitimacy to organise these elections." Asked whether France now recognised Guaido as interim president Le Drian did not answer directly, saying the government would discuss the issue with its European neighbours. Maduro said Sunday he would not give into ultimatums. He has offered to call early parliamentary elections instead. But Le Drian insisted that only a presidential election could end the crisis "because it's a presidential regime" in Venezuela. Guaido has already declared himself acting president. On January 23, he declared Maduro's presidency was "illegitimate" as it was founded on flawed elections.

UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president

Rescuers early on Saturday found the body of a two-year-old boy who fell into a deep well nearly two weeks ago in southern <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/elections-only-way-out-of-venezuela-crisis-spain-192518&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiJmZXR14rgAhULv48KHUHHA0oQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw15oMLqmDMmAXY8RshFp5m-">Spain</a>, triggering an unprecedented rescue operation fraught with glitches that had kept the country on tenterhooks.

Hundreds of people had been working round-the-clock under the media glare to try to reach Julen Rosello, who plunged down a narrow shaft which is more than 100 metres (330 feet) deep on January 13 while his parents prepared lunch in Totalan, a southern town near Malaga.

"Unfortunately at 1:25 am the rescue team reached the spot where they were looking for Julen and found the lifeless body of the little one," the central government's representative in the southwestern region of Andalusia, Alfonso Rodriguez Gomez de Celis, wrote on Twitter.

A hearse arrived at the site shortly after the news broke to take his <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-body-pulled-out-42-days-after-15-workers-were-trapped-192508&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi2o6Ph14rgAhVMvo8KHTa6BEYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw30uusvbVVQocbYk0QxAkdG">body</a> to a funeral home.

There had been no sign of life from the boy but rescuers believed they knew where he was inside the illegal well.

The only evidence of the boy's presence were some strands of hair that matched his DNA and a bag of candy that he had been holding when he fell into the well.

"All of Spain feels the infinite sadness of Julen's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-congress-family-is-party-in-bjp-party-is-family-sambit-patra-192332&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiytMX614rgAhVKuo8KHX0UB8AQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_pew1egqrb4kK7IGlFOdP">family</a>. We have followed closely every step to reach him," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-support-congress-if-next-prime-minister-is-from-their-party-aap-leader-192364&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwihitOR2IrgAhUJbo8KHbEHDqEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1vwfGdyeiODDS1p4fnWMwC">Prime Minister </a>Pedro Sanchez wrote on Twitter.

"We will always appreciate the tireless effort of those who searched for him during all these days."

Complex operation&nbsp;

The complex search-and-rescue operation had been fraught with complications that caused delay upon delay as Julen's distraught parents and relatives stood by.

Rescuers were not able to get to Julen via the well he fell down because it was blocked by a layer of earth, sand and stones believed to have been dislodged when he tumbled into the shaft.

They decided to dig a vertical shaft parallel to the well, 60 metres deep, which was finished late on Monday.

The idea was to secure the shaft with tubes then take elite miners down in a specially made cage to start digging a horizontal tunnel to the site where they believe the child was.

But the tubes designed to secure the shaft did not fit, so they had to widen it, which delayed the operation still further.

Eventually, they succeeded and expert miners on Thursday began painstakingly digging a four-metre tunnel to join both channels and hopefully reach Julen with the help of four small, controlled explosions.

The miners worked in teams of two and were equipped with oxygen tanks.

Each small explosion took about two hours, which slowed down the rescue attempt.&nbsp;

Two miners had to first go down the shaft and bore a few holes. They were then followed by two specialised officers who set up the explosives.

Once they returned above ground, the explosives were detonated and then the rescue team had to wait half an hour to clear the shaft of polluted air.

'Come out alive'&nbsp;

Despite the passage of time, the boy's relatives held out hope that he had somehow survived the fall and would be found alive.

Jose Rosello, Julen's father, told reporters that "we have an angel that will help my son come out alive as soon as possible."

Julen's parents lost another child, Oliver, aged three, in 2017. The child had cardiac problems.

In a tweet, Spain's King Felipe VI extended his "deepest condolences to Julen's whole family".&nbsp;

The well was unmarked at the time of the accident and regional authorities in Andalusia said the necessary permission had not been sought before it was dug.

This race against time recalled several other high-profile cases in the 1980s.

Alfredo Rampi, an Italian boy, was found dead in a well near Rome in 1981 while Jessica McClure, an 18-month-old girl, was rescued alive from a well in Texas in October 1987 after more than two days inside.

Rescuers early on Saturday found the body of a two-year-old boy who fell into a deep well nearly two weeks ago in southern Spain, triggering an unprecedented rescue operation fraught with glitches that had kept the country on tenterhooks.

Rescuers early on Saturday found the body of a two-year-old boy who fell into a deep well nearly two weeks ago in southern Spain, triggering an unprecedented rescue operation fraught with glitches that had kept the country on tenterhooks. Hundreds of people had been working round-the-clock under the media glare to try to reach Julen Rosello, who plunged down a narrow shaft which is more than 100 metres (330 feet) deep on January 13 while his parents prepared lunch in Totalan, a southern town near Malaga. "Unfortunately at 1:25 am the rescue team reached the spot where they were looking for Julen and found the lifeless body of the little one," the central government's representative in the southwestern region of Andalusia, Alfonso Rodriguez Gomez de Celis, wrote on Twitter. A hearse arrived at the site shortly after the news broke to take his body to a funeral home. There had been no sign of life from the boy but rescuers believed they knew where he was inside the illegal well. The only evidence of the boy's presence were some strands of hair that matched his DNA and a bag of candy that he had been holding when he fell into the well. "All of Spain feels the infinite sadness of Julen's family. We have followed closely every step to reach him," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on Twitter. "We will always appreciate the tireless effort of those who searched for him during all these days." Complex operation The complex search-and-rescue operation had been fraught with complications that caused delay upon delay as Julen's distraught parents and relatives stood by. Rescuers were not able to get to Julen via the well he fell down because it was blocked by a layer of earth, sand and stones believed to have been dislodged when he tumbled into the shaft. They decided to dig a vertical shaft parallel to the well, 60 metres deep, which was finished late on Monday. The idea was to secure the shaft with tubes then take elite miners down in a specially made cage to start digging a horizontal tunnel to the site where they believe the child was. But the tubes designed to secure the shaft did not fit, so they had to widen it, which delayed the operation still further. Eventually, they succeeded and expert miners on Thursday began painstakingly digging a four-metre tunnel to join both channels and hopefully reach Julen with the help of four small, controlled explosions. The miners worked in teams of two and were equipped with oxygen tanks. Each small explosion took about two hours, which slowed down the rescue attempt. Two miners had to first go down the shaft and bore a few holes. They were then followed by two specialised officers who set up the explosives. Once they returned above ground, the explosives were detonated and then the rescue team had to wait half an hour to clear the shaft of polluted air. 'Come out alive' Despite the passage of time, the boy's relatives held out hope that he had somehow survived the fall and would be found alive. Jose Rosello, Julen's father, told reporters that "we have an angel that will help my son come out alive as soon as possible." Julen's parents lost another child, Oliver, aged three, in 2017. The child had cardiac problems. In a tweet, Spain's King Felipe VI extended his "deepest condolences to Julen's whole family". The well was unmarked at the time of the accident and regional authorities in Andalusia said the necessary permission had not been sought before it was dug. This race against time recalled several other high-profile cases in the 1980s. Alfredo Rampi, an Italian boy, was found dead in a well near Rome in 1981 while Jessica McClure, an 18-month-old girl, was rescued alive from a well in Texas in October 1987 after more than two days inside.

Rescuers recover body of Spanish boy who fell down well

Spain, France and Germany on Saturday gave embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum, saying they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as president unless he calls elections within eight days.

The ultimatum comes as international pressure mounts on the Maduro regime to agree a new vote, with the United States, Canada and major South American players already recognising Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week.

After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following controversial elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term.

"If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president" so that he himself can call such polls, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised announcement.

French President Emmanuel Macron followed suit in a tweet, saying "the Venezuelan people must be able to freely decide on their future," as did German government spokeswoman Martina Fietz.

The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries as the 28-member bloc struggles to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela.

Spain had wanted the EU to take a tough line on Maduro by calling for immediate elections, failing which the bloc as a whole would recognise Guaido, the 35-year-old head of Venezuela's National Assembly.

But countries like Austria, Greece and Portugal are much more reluctant. 
In fact Greece's ruling party Syriza has publicly backed Maduro, with party secretary Panos Skourletis voicing "full support and solidarity" to what to he called "the legal president."&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate."&nbsp;

On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognise Guaido as interim president, the State Department said.

Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties.

US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order.

Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open.

Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and criticised internationally -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military.

Spain is closely linked to Venezuela, a former colony, as some 200,000 of its nationals live there.

Sanchez insisted Saturday that Spain is "not looking to impose or remove governments in Venezuela, we want democracy and free elections in Venezuela."&nbsp;

Spain, France and Germany on Saturday gave embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum, saying they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as president unless he calls elections within eight days.

Spain, France and Germany on Saturday gave embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum, saying they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as president unless he calls elections within eight days. The ultimatum comes as international pressure mounts on the Maduro regime to agree a new vote, with the United States, Canada and major South American players already recognising Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week. After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following controversial elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term. "If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president" so that he himself can call such polls, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised announcement. French President Emmanuel Macron followed suit in a tweet, saying "the Venezuelan people must be able to freely decide on their future," as did German government spokeswoman Martina Fietz. The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries as the 28-member bloc struggles to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela. Spain had wanted the EU to take a tough line on Maduro by calling for immediate elections, failing which the bloc as a whole would recognise Guaido, the 35-year-old head of Venezuela's National Assembly. But countries like Austria, Greece and Portugal are much more reluctant. In fact Greece's ruling party Syriza has publicly backed Maduro, with party secretary Panos Skourletis voicing "full support and solidarity" to what to he called "the legal president." President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate." On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognise Guaido as interim president, the State Department said. Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties. US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order. Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open. Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and criticised internationally -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military. Spain is closely linked to Venezuela, a former colony, as some 200,000 of its nationals live there. Sanchez insisted Saturday that Spain is "not looking to impose or remove governments in Venezuela, we want democracy and free elections in Venezuela."

European leaders issue ultimatum to embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-accepts-deal-in-tax-fraud-case-in-spain-with-fine-suspended-sentence-191989&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiynpe5sIbgAhXJbn0KHZmEB4sQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AaiI-I4Wa-NaYCjCthlhS">Spain</a> on Thursday said fresh elections were the "only way out" for Venezuela after opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the presidency amid anti-government protests.

"The scenario has changed radically, there have been deaths. We have to prevent the situation from worsening. This undoubtedly demands a process of intervention to guarantee the only way out which is elections," said Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell.

The United States, Brazil, and other countries on Wednesday endorsed Guaido's declaration in repudiation of President Nicolas Maduro, as more protests rocked the economically strapped country.

Guaido's announcement came amid violence that has killed at least 13 people this week, according to a toll by the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict.

When asked if Spain would also endorse Guaido's declaration, Borrell reiterated that "what is important" is that Venezuela holds fresh elections.

He said some 200,000 Spanish nationals live in Venezuela, a former Spanish colony.

Spain on Thursday said fresh elections were the "only way out" for Venezuela after opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the presidency amid anti-government protests.

Spain on Thursday said fresh elections were the "only way out" for Venezuela after opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the presidency amid anti-government protests. "The scenario has changed radically, there have been deaths. We have to prevent the situation from worsening. This undoubtedly demands a process of intervention to guarantee the only way out which is elections," said Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell. The United States, Brazil, and other countries on Wednesday endorsed Guaido's declaration in repudiation of President Nicolas Maduro, as more protests rocked the economically strapped country. Guaido's announcement came amid violence that has killed at least 13 people this week, according to a toll by the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict. When asked if Spain would also endorse Guaido's declaration, Borrell reiterated that "what is important" is that Venezuela holds fresh elections. He said some 200,000 Spanish nationals live in Venezuela, a former Spanish colony.

Elections only way out of Venezuela crisis: Spain

Two Tamil Nadu lads have been selected to train and play for a month in the International Academy of AD Alcorcon in Spain.

Lijo Francis and Shyjin, both mid-fielders from Kanyakumari district in the state, were picked during Football Trials 19, a football talent search, which concluded here Wednesday.

The participants were assessed by Jose Gonzalez, Director of the International Academy of AD Alcorcon and Nuria Palomo Leon, a coach at the academy.

Two players each from Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Maharashtra, apart from Tamil Nadu will be selected and will get an opportunity to play and train in Spain for one month at AD Alcorcon, a press note said.

The initiative is a brainchild of David Anand, founder of Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy, who associated with Ad Alcorcon, with an aim of creating world-class players.

Two Tamil Nadu lads have been selected to train and play for a month in the International Academy of AD Alcorcon in Spain. Lijo Francis and Shyjin, both mid-fielders from Kanyakumari district in the state, were picked during Football Trials 19, a football talent search, which concluded here Wednesday.

Two Tamil Nadu lads have been selected to train and play for a month in the International Academy of AD Alcorcon in Spain. Lijo Francis and Shyjin, both mid-fielders from Kanyakumari district in the state, were picked during Football Trials 19, a football talent search, which concluded here Wednesday. The participants were assessed by Jose Gonzalez, Director of the International Academy of AD Alcorcon and Nuria Palomo Leon, a coach at the academy. Two players each from Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Maharashtra, apart from Tamil Nadu will be selected and will get an opportunity to play and train in Spain for one month at AD Alcorcon, a press note said. The initiative is a brainchild of David Anand, founder of Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy, who associated with Ad Alcorcon, with an aim of creating world-class players.

Two Tamil Nadu boys to train, play for a month at AD Alcorcon in Spain

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

He also spoke on Brexit and called for a moratorium on redrawing of borders in order to prevent separatist movements from carving out new countries around the world.

Here is the full transcript of the interview:

WION: We are meeting just hours after Trump gave a televised speech about border wall. He spoke about fears of uncontrolled illegal migration and described it as a crisis of the soul. Now, this is the same president who told you last year that the European Union can build a wall across the Sahara to stop people from entering Europe. Do you agree with him? Or do you think good fences make good neighbours?

Josep Borrell: I don't think so. Walls do not solve any problems, we do not need to build a wall. We already have a big wall, that is the Mediterranean Sea; people are dying every year trying to enter Europe. It is problem of relationship, the problem between Europe and Africa, or US and South America, will never be solved by putting a wall. It is a matter of cooperation and development.

WION: Lawmakers in the UK are debating about Brexit, they might vote on it next week. There are calls for a second referendum. Do you support the second referendum? Or do you think we are way past the point of no return - that this is it, take it or leave it?

Josep Borrell: Well, the Britishers said ‘Brexit is Brexit’. They repeated it many times. But what does Brexit mean? It is upto them to decide, we are waiting, we will like to know their final decision. There is a deal on the table, they can accept it or refuse it. If they refuse it, they have to decide what to do. An abrupt, hard Brexit will be very damaging for both the EU and the UK. They have to decide whether to postpone the decision, or to take longer time to discuss the deal. But we have EU elections in May. What are we going to do?

WION: About the second referendum, you said and I quote, "I don't like second referendums, it's something that doesn't look very democratic". What is undemocratic about a second referendum?

Josep Borrell: People expressed their will (with the referendum) and (now) you (want to) tell them that you made the bad choice, (that) you have to repeat the vote. Until when? Until you make the good choice. And what is the good choice? Who decides about the good choices? You know, we’ve had repeated referendums several times - in Ireland, in Denmark - where they voted (for) something, the elite did not like it and told them to vote again. I think the idea that people have to vote and re-vote until someone says this is a good answer is not a good thing.

WION: You support referendums, don't you? Be it Brexit or Catalonia or anywhere else in the world? Or are you against referendums?

Josep Borrell: I think referendum is not a good way of making a decision, it is too binary, black or white, one or zero. The world is much more complex. And I think it is impossible for the British people to be aware of the consequences of deciding to leave. It is too complex and there were a lot of lies told to them: ‘If you leave, you will have a lot of money’, ‘if you leave, we will manage better’, ‘if you leave, we will again be the big empire in the world’. Here in India you know something about it. Well, you cannot make people decide with a fake news, with incapacity of providing a good understanding of what is at stake. I think parliaments, public discussion, is a better way of taking this kind of difficult and complex decision.

WION: So, what you are saying is that referendums, be it in Catalonia or Brexit, do not necessarily solve the problem?

Josep Borrell: No, I do not think it is the best way of solving a problem. In Catalonia, additionally, it is again the Spanish constitution, as it is in France, Germany, Italy or the United States. So, I do not think it is the best way of making this kind of decision that splits the country, divides the society and confronts, in equal proportion, people.

WION: Let’s talk a bit about separatism. Countries around the world, including Spain and India, are faced with separatism, separatist tendencies, separatist elements. Do you think there is a need for a moratorium on redrawing of borders - be it Catalonia or Brexit or anything else?

Josep Borrell: In Europe, we have a moratorium after the end of World War that borders are the way they are and can only be modified by a common understanding and agreement. Brexit is not a modification of borders, in fact it has nothing to do with borders. Separatism in north of Italy or half of Belgium or Scotland or Catalonia is a different thing. And there is a big consensus in Europe to not go to redefinition of borders.

WION: Do you think it should apply to all conflict areas around the world? That there should be no new state created out of this separatist tendency?

Josep Borrell: Separatism is one thing, decolonisation is another thing. Decolonisation created new states, for sure, because it was a colonial domination. But who can believe that Catalonia is a colony of Spain?

WION: I want to come back to the issue of immigration. You have been quoted as saying that "European societies are not structured to absorb more than a certain percentage of migrants, especially if they are Muslims". What did you mean by that? And what might be the solution?

Josep Borrell: I don’t know if I said that exactly. I said especially if they are culturally and religiously different. For example, in Spain, it is easy for us to absorb migrants coming from Latin America because they speak the same language, they have the same religion - if they have one. For a Spanish coming from Argentina or Peru or Mexico, it is a kind of a member of the family. If there are people coming from other cultures, other religions without historical ties, it is much more difficult to integrate and there is a certain limit in societies above which tensions start, especially if there are no good policies to prevent this kind of things from happening and to push and to help in integration.

WION: Would you favour Muslims coming to Europe? Are Muslims welcome in Europe today and going forward?

Josep Borrell: Look, one of the pillars of European Union is no discrimination by religion. You cannot discriminate by saying ‘you, yes’ because you are a Christian, ‘you, no’ because you are a Hindu or Muslim. No discrimination by gender, no discrimination by religion so the question would not be accepted in Europe.

WION: I want to talk about India and Spain. We have seen that separatism affects both countries. Do you think India and Spain can learn together from each other's experiences of separatism? In Spain, you say talks only within the constitution. So, is there scope for learning between India and Spain when it comes to separatism?

Josep Borrell: Well, I do not know history of India and the political situation in the country as much as I should in order to answer your question. But India is a special case because you built a political union before building an economic union. In Europe, we are doing just the contrary, we are building an economic union before building a political union because we have too much history behind us and in order to build political union, you have to share markets, goods, economic relationships, to create what Jacques Delors (French politician) called solidarity of the fact. And on this solidarity of the fact, you can construct a bigger union, a stronger union, a deeper union. India is a remarkable example of how you can be united in diversity. In Europe, we say, united in diversity but when I come to India I say ‘my god, here is diversity!’

WION: Some people say that a thin line separates separatism from terrorism. Some countries around the world are afflicted by this phenomenon. Is there scope for EU and India to collaborate for combating this menace?

Josep Borrell: For combating terrorism, all democratic countries have to cooperate.

WION: ...especially in South Asia...

Josep Borrell: The south of the world, all this band going from the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian peninsula, all this part of the world - West Asia, Syria, the Horn of Africa, the Spanish navy is patrolling the Horn of Africa to prevent terrorist attacks against ships, and India as a big, democratic country the biggest democracy in the world - has an important role to play together with western nations to fight terrorism.

WION: I want to talk about regional and global issues like what’s happening in Iran and Venezuela. President Maduro will take the oath on January 10. What are your views on impositions of sanctions against Venezuela? I am told that you do not want to see more sanctions imposed on Venezuela?

Josep Borrell: History says that sanctions do not bring a solution. Look at what happened with Cuba. The US has been blockading Cuba for decades, but the regime is still there. You have to sanction when you have to sanction, do not sanction the people, do not sanction the Venezuelan people. If you have to impose sanctions, impose it on the leaders, the ones who are guilty of doing something bad. But at the same time, try to push through a democratic dialogue, you have to put both things together, just the politics of punishing, history says, is not very effective.

WION: I want to talk about China. The Prime Minister of Norway said at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi that might is not right, that countries must play by the rules-based world order. She spoke about ocean management and was hinting at China. How do you see China's Belt and Road Initiative?

Josep Borrell: It is an important initiative. China is projecting out of its borders. China is coming back to the history. It was out of the history, it saw colonial domination, an awful war with Japan, years of communist domination, poverty and now it is a giant. Economical, technological, political and even a military power. The important thing is to be able to build, as you have said, a world ruled by rules not by power because if it is only power. If it is in the hands of the Chinese, or it is in the hands of the US, Russia or whoever, the power is being used and it needs counter powers. A multilateral world, a world based on rules accepted by the humankind, by international community is something that we have to fight for.

WION: And it applies equally to China?

Josep Borrell: Of course, for sure, why not? You cannot imagine a world where one part of humanity as important as China cannot be taken into consideration or not participating.

WION: I want to shift our focus to West Asia. Saudi Arabia has lately been in the news for the wrong reasons, for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Yet, the Spanish government insists on selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Why?

Josep Borrell: The number of arms (being sent) to Saudi Arabia is a tiny part of what Saudi Arabia is buying. Since this (Spanish) government has been in place, we have not signed any new contract, but we will honour the contract signed by the previous government.

WION: Israel is another country in the region. What do you make of the trend of some countries shifting their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Do you think it is part of the solution?

Josep Borrell: For sure it is not a part of the solution, it is creating more tensions.

WION: Why do you say that?

Josep Borrell: Because one of the part feels attacked. If you were a Palestinian, you wanted Jerusalem to be the capital of imaginary country that some day will come. And people say no, this is the capital of another country. You will not be very happy and I think we have to calm down the situation which could become explosive. I think it was a wrong decision by the Americans and it is a wrong decision by anyone who is following it.

WION: In conclusion, Mr minister, you have studied and taught both mathematics and economics at universities and institutes in Europe. But what is your first love - mathematics or economics?

Josep Borrell: It is mathematics.

WION: What do you the most - academia or politics?

Josep Borrell: There is a lot of politics in academia, no? I have been engaged in politics for much longer than academia. But if you share both approaches, you could have at the same time the rationality of the academia (as well as) the scientific approach with social engagement of the politician. The world would be much better. You know the book by John Von Neumann about the science and the politics? I read it every time I can.

WION: FC Barcelona or Real Madrid?

Josep Borrell: I don't follow football very much.

WION: Pizza or Paella?

Josep Borrell: Pizza.

WION: Will Donald Trump get a second term as US President?

Josep Borrell: I'm afraid he could have to.

WION: What should the border wall be made of: Steel or concrete?

Josep Borrell: No wall.

WION: Who is a bigger challenge: Russia or China?

Josep Borrell: I would not say they are challenges, they are actors that have to be taken into consideration because both of them want to have its place in the history. They are big enough, powerful enough in order not to be neglected.

WION: On that note, thank you.

Josep Borrell: It has been a very intelligent interview.

WION: Thank you.

Josep Borrell: It does not happen often.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism. He also spoke on Brexit and called for a moratorium on redrawing of borders in order to prevent separatist movements from carving out new countries around the world. Here is the full transcript of the interview: WION: We are meeting just hours after Trump gave a televised speech about border wall. He spoke about fears of uncontrolled illegal migration and described it as a crisis of the soul. Now, this is the same president who told you last year that the European Union can build a wall across the Sahara to stop people from entering Europe. Do you agree with him? Or do you think good fences make good neighbours? Josep Borrell: I don't think so. Walls do not solve any problems, we do not need to build a wall. We already have a big wall, that is the Mediterranean Sea; people are dying every year trying to enter Europe. It is problem of relationship, the problem between Europe and Africa, or US and South America, will never be solved by putting a wall. It is a matter of cooperation and development. WION: Lawmakers in the UK are debating about Brexit, they might vote on it next week. There are calls for a second referendum. Do you support the second referendum? Or do you think we are way past the point of no return - that this is it, take it or leave it? Josep Borrell: Well, the Britishers said ‘Brexit is Brexit’. They repeated it many times. But what does Brexit mean? It is upto them to decide, we are waiting, we will like to know their final decision. There is a deal on the table, they can accept it or refuse it. If they refuse it, they have to decide what to do. An abrupt, hard Brexit will be very damaging for both the EU and the UK. They have to decide whether to postpone the decision, or to take longer time to discuss the deal. But we have EU elections in May. What are we going to do? WION: About the second referendum, you said and I quote, "I don't like second referendums, it's something that doesn't look very democratic". What is undemocratic about a second referendum? Josep Borrell: People expressed their will (with the referendum) and (now) you (want to) tell them that you made the bad choice, (that) you have to repeat the vote. Until when? Until you make the good choice. And what is the good choice? Who decides about the good choices? You know, we’ve had repeated referendums several times - in Ireland, in Denmark - where they voted (for) something, the elite did not like it and told them to vote again. I think the idea that people have to vote and re-vote until someone says this is a good answer is not a good thing. WION: You support referendums, don't you? Be it Brexit or Catalonia or anywhere else in the world? Or are you against referendums? Josep Borrell: I think referendum is not a good way of making a decision, it is too binary, black or white, one or zero. The world is much more complex. And I think it is impossible for the British people to be aware of the consequences of deciding to leave. It is too complex and there were a lot of lies told to them: ‘If you leave, you will have a lot of money’, ‘if you leave, we will manage better’, ‘if you leave, we will again be the big empire in the world’. Here in India you know something about it. Well, you cannot make people decide with a fake news, with incapacity of providing a good understanding of what is at stake. I think parliaments, public discussion, is a better way of taking this kind of difficult and complex decision. WION: So, what you are saying is that referendums, be it in Catalonia or Brexit, do not necessarily solve the problem? Josep Borrell: No, I do not think it is the best way of solving a problem. In Catalonia, additionally, it is again the Spanish constitution, as it is in France, Germany, Italy or the United States. So, I do not think it is the best way of making this kind of decision that splits the country, divides the society and confronts, in equal proportion, people. WION: Let’s talk a bit about separatism. Countries around the world, including Spain and India, are faced with separatism, separatist tendencies, separatist elements. Do you think there is a need for a moratorium on redrawing of borders - be it Catalonia or Brexit or anything else? Josep Borrell: In Europe, we have a moratorium after the end of World War that borders are the way they are and can only be modified by a common understanding and agreement. Brexit is not a modification of borders, in fact it has nothing to do with borders. Separatism in north of Italy or half of Belgium or Scotland or Catalonia is a different thing. And there is a big consensus in Europe to not go to redefinition of borders. WION: Do you think it should apply to all conflict areas around the world? That there should be no new state created out of this separatist tendency? Josep Borrell: Separatism is one thing, decolonisation is another thing. Decolonisation created new states, for sure, because it was a colonial domination. But who can believe that Catalonia is a colony of Spain? WION: I want to come back to the issue of immigration. You have been quoted as saying that "European societies are not structured to absorb more than a certain percentage of migrants, especially if they are Muslims". What did you mean by that? And what might be the solution? Josep Borrell: I don’t know if I said that exactly. I said especially if they are culturally and religiously different. For example, in Spain, it is easy for us to absorb migrants coming from Latin America because they speak the same language, they have the same religion - if they have one. For a Spanish coming from Argentina or Peru or Mexico, it is a kind of a member of the family. If there are people coming from other cultures, other religions without historical ties, it is much more difficult to integrate and there is a certain limit in societies above which tensions start, especially if there are no good policies to prevent this kind of things from happening and to push and to help in integration. WION: Would you favour Muslims coming to Europe? Are Muslims welcome in Europe today and going forward? Josep Borrell: Look, one of the pillars of European Union is no discrimination by religion. You cannot discriminate by saying ‘you, yes’ because you are a Christian, ‘you, no’ because you are a Hindu or Muslim. No discrimination by gender, no discrimination by religion so the question would not be accepted in Europe. WION: I want to talk about India and Spain. We have seen that separatism affects both countries. Do you think India and Spain can learn together from each other's experiences of separatism? In Spain, you say talks only within the constitution. So, is there scope for learning between India and Spain when it comes to separatism? Josep Borrell: Well, I do not know history of India and the political situation in the country as much as I should in order to answer your question. But India is a special case because you built a political union before building an economic union. In Europe, we are doing just the contrary, we are building an economic union before building a political union because we have too much history behind us and in order to build political union, you have to share markets, goods, economic relationships, to create what Jacques Delors (French politician) called solidarity of the fact. And on this solidarity of the fact, you can construct a bigger union, a stronger union, a deeper union. India is a remarkable example of how you can be united in diversity. In Europe, we say, united in diversity but when I come to India I say ‘my god, here is diversity!’ WION: Some people say that a thin line separates separatism from terrorism. Some countries around the world are afflicted by this phenomenon. Is there scope for EU and India to collaborate for combating this menace? Josep Borrell: For combating terrorism, all democratic countries have to cooperate. WION: ...especially in South Asia... Josep Borrell: The south of the world, all this band going from the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian peninsula, all this part of the world - West Asia, Syria, the Horn of Africa, the Spanish navy is patrolling the Horn of Africa to prevent terrorist attacks against ships, and India as a big, democratic country the biggest democracy in the world - has an important role to play together with western nations to fight terrorism. WION: I want to talk about regional and global issues like what’s happening in Iran and Venezuela. President Maduro will take the oath on January 10. What are your views on impositions of sanctions against Venezuela? I am told that you do not want to see more sanctions imposed on Venezuela? Josep Borrell: History says that sanctions do not bring a solution. Look at what happened with Cuba. The US has been blockading Cuba for decades, but the regime is still there. You have to sanction when you have to sanction, do not sanction the people, do not sanction the Venezuelan people. If you have to impose sanctions, impose it on the leaders, the ones who are guilty of doing something bad. But at the same time, try to push through a democratic dialogue, you have to put both things together, just the politics of punishing, history says, is not very effective. WION: I want to talk about China. The Prime Minister of Norway said at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi that might is not right, that countries must play by the rules-based world order. She spoke about ocean management and was hinting at China. How do you see China's Belt and Road Initiative? Josep Borrell: It is an important initiative. China is projecting out of its borders. China is coming back to the history. It was out of the history, it saw colonial domination, an awful war with Japan, years of communist domination, poverty and now it is a giant. Economical, technological, political and even a military power. The important thing is to be able to build, as you have said, a world ruled by rules not by power because if it is only power. If it is in the hands of the Chinese, or it is in the hands of the US, Russia or whoever, the power is being used and it needs counter powers. A multilateral world, a world based on rules accepted by the humankind, by international community is something that we have to fight for. WION: And it applies equally to China? Josep Borrell: Of course, for sure, why not? You cannot imagine a world where one part of humanity as important as China cannot be taken into consideration or not participating. WION: I want to shift our focus to West Asia. Saudi Arabia has lately been in the news for the wrong reasons, for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Yet, the Spanish government insists on selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Why? Josep Borrell: The number of arms (being sent) to Saudi Arabia is a tiny part of what Saudi Arabia is buying. Since this (Spanish) government has been in place, we have not signed any new contract, but we will honour the contract signed by the previous government. WION: Israel is another country in the region. What do you make of the trend of some countries shifting their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Do you think it is part of the solution? Josep Borrell: For sure it is not a part of the solution, it is creating more tensions. WION: Why do you say that? Josep Borrell: Because one of the part feels attacked. If you were a Palestinian, you wanted Jerusalem to be the capital of imaginary country that some day will come. And people say no, this is the capital of another country. You will not be very happy and I think we have to calm down the situation which could become explosive. I think it was a wrong decision by the Americans and it is a wrong decision by anyone who is following it. WION: In conclusion, Mr minister, you have studied and taught both mathematics and economics at universities and institutes in Europe. But what is your first love - mathematics or economics? Josep Borrell: It is mathematics. WION: What do you the most - academia or politics? Josep Borrell: There is a lot of politics in academia, no? I have been engaged in politics for much longer than academia. But if you share both approaches, you could have at the same time the rationality of the academia (as well as) the scientific approach with social engagement of the politician. The world would be much better. You know the book by John Von Neumann about the science and the politics? I read it every time I can. WION: FC Barcelona or Real Madrid? Josep Borrell: I don't follow football very much. WION: Pizza or Paella? Josep Borrell: Pizza. WION: Will Donald Trump get a second term as US President? Josep Borrell: I'm afraid he could have to. WION: What should the border wall be made of: Steel or concrete? Josep Borrell: No wall. WION: Who is a bigger challenge: Russia or China? Josep Borrell: I would not say they are challenges, they are actors that have to be taken into consideration because both of them want to have its place in the history. They are big enough, powerful enough in order not to be neglected. WION: On that note, thank you. Josep Borrell: It has been a very intelligent interview. WION: Thank you. Josep Borrell: It does not happen often.

Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION

FIFA ranking at the end of the year 2018

In pictures: Christmas celebrations around the globe

Spain's prime minister&nbsp;Pedro Sanchez whose minority government has struggled to pass a budget since taking office in June said in an interview published Sunday that he intends to stay in power until the current parliamentary term ends in 2020.

Spanish voters go to the polls on May 26, 2019, for municipal, regional and European elections and there has been speculation that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez could call a snap general election for the same day, ahead of the 2020 scheduled date especially if he fails to approve a budget for next year.

"Obviously the budget is very important for any government. I want to fight for it to be approved during the first quarter of the year," he told Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia.

"When the elections are called it will not be in the interests of the party, but for the public interest. And my goal is to see out the legislature," he added.

His comments come after Sanchez and the head of the separatist regional government of Catalonia, Quim Torra, last week pledged fresh dialogue to try to resolve a dispute over the wealthy northeastern region's status within Spain, raising hopes that Catalan separatist parties will back the government's 2019 budget.

With only 84 Socialist deputies to help steer legislation through a 350-seat parliament, Sanchez's government relies on the support of Catalan separatist parties to pass legislation.

Sanchez came to power in June in after a surprise no-confidence vote against his conservative predecessor, with the support of Catalan separatist parties.

But those parties have refused to back the budget after public prosecutors in November called for stiff penalties for 18 Catalan leaders facing trial over their role in Catalonia's failed independence bid last year.

Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez whose minority government has struggled to pass a budget since taking office in June said in an interview published Sunday that he intends to stay in power until the current parliamentary term ends in 2020.

Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez whose minority government has struggled to pass a budget since taking office in June said in an interview published Sunday that he intends to stay in power until the current parliamentary term ends in 2020. Spanish voters go to the polls on May 26, 2019, for municipal, regional and European elections and there has been speculation that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez could call a snap general election for the same day, ahead of the 2020 scheduled date especially if he fails to approve a budget for next year. "Obviously the budget is very important for any government. I want to fight for it to be approved during the first quarter of the year," he told Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia. "When the elections are called it will not be in the interests of the party, but for the public interest. And my goal is to see out the legislature," he added. His comments come after Sanchez and the head of the separatist regional government of Catalonia, Quim Torra, last week pledged fresh dialogue to try to resolve a dispute over the wealthy northeastern region's status within Spain, raising hopes that Catalan separatist parties will back the government's 2019 budget. With only 84 Socialist deputies to help steer legislation through a 350-seat parliament, Sanchez's government relies on the support of Catalan separatist parties to pass legislation. Sanchez came to power in June in after a surprise no-confidence vote against his conservative predecessor, with the support of Catalan separatist parties. But those parties have refused to back the budget after public prosecutors in November called for stiff penalties for 18 Catalan leaders facing trial over their role in Catalonia's failed independence bid last year.

Spain PM Sanchez says he aims to see out parliamentary term

More than 60 people were injured and 13 others arrested as Catalan pro-independence supporters <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/catalonia-crisis-protesters-disrupt-transport-in-spain-6584">clashed with baton-wielding police</a> on Friday in protests against a Spanish government cabinet meeting in Barcelona, branded a provocation by separatists.

The weekly cabinet meeting usually takes place in Madrid but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist government decided to hold it in the Catalan capital as part of efforts to reduce tensions.

The timing of the cabinet meeting — a year to the day after Madrid held snap elections in Catalonia after blocking the region's bid for independence —offended some Catalans. Far from reducing tensions, it appeared to have the opposite effect, with some 40,000 people marching peacefully along the Paseo de Gracia main road, but with a firm message; "Let's topple the regime".

"This is a provocation. They have come here to provoke us," said one demonstrator, textile worker Carles Serra, 45.

Away from the peaceful march, protesters threw metal barriers and stones at officers and tried to breach a police barrier a few hundred metres (yards) from where the meeting was taking place.

A total of 62 people were injured, including 35 police officers while 13 people were arrested, regional authorities said.

'Ungovernable'&nbsp;

Sanchez and the head of Catalonia's separatist government, Quim Torra, have expressed a commitment to an "effective dialogue" to try to resolve the dispute over the wealthy region's status within Spain.

At the cabinet meeting itself, the government approved a 22-per cent increase in the minimum wage, a pay hike for public workers and announced investments in infrastructure projects in Catalonia.

"We came here to show (our) affection, (our) attachment to Catalonia," government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa said afterwards.

"We are working for the wellbeing of all our fellow citizens."

Spain's wealthiest region, Catalonia is home to some 7.5 million people and has its own language.

A radical separatist group, the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), blocked a dozen main roads from around dawn on Friday, regional transport authorities said.

"We will be ungovernable on December 21," the group repeatedly tweeted.

The Spanish government sent police reinforcements to Barcelona and Catalan leaders repeated their call for protests to be peaceful.

Divergent positions&nbsp;

Catalonia declared independence in October 2017 after pushing ahead with a banned independence referendum, but Spanish authorities stifled the attempt.

Several Catalan independence leaders were detained on charges of rebellion or misuse of public funds, and prosecutors are seeking jail terms of up to 25 years.

Sanchez took office as prime minister eight months later after winning a surprise vote of no-confidence against the previous conservative government with the support of Catalan separatist parties.

He initially adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Catalonia than his conservative predecessor, but efforts to ease tensions with the region have hit a wall.

Sanchez and Torra were photographed holding talks in Barcelona on Thursday night, drawing fire from both the conservative right and radical separatists.

The leader of the conservative opposition Popular Party in parliament, Dolors Montserrat, branded the meeting "shameful" and "a betrayal of Spain".

"Dialogue seems like a step backwards to me," said separatist demonstrator Mariona Godia, 35. "That just looks like a photo aimed at calming people down."

While Sanchez has proposed giving Catalonia more powers, Torra wants a legally binding referendum on independence.

More than 60 people were injured and 13 others arrested as Catalan pro-independence supporters clashed with baton-wielding police on Friday in protests against a Spanish government cabinet meeting in Barcelona, branded a provocation by separatists.

More than 60 people were injured and 13 others arrested as Catalan pro-independence supporters clashed with baton-wielding police on Friday in protests against a Spanish government cabinet meeting in Barcelona, branded a provocation by separatists. The weekly cabinet meeting usually takes place in Madrid but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist government decided to hold it in the Catalan capital as part of efforts to reduce tensions. The timing of the cabinet meeting — a year to the day after Madrid held snap elections in Catalonia after blocking the region's bid for independence —offended some Catalans. Far from reducing tensions, it appeared to have the opposite effect, with some 40,000 people marching peacefully along the Paseo de Gracia main road, but with a firm message; "Let's topple the regime". "This is a provocation. They have come here to provoke us," said one demonstrator, textile worker Carles Serra, 45. Away from the peaceful march, protesters threw metal barriers and stones at officers and tried to breach a police barrier a few hundred metres (yards) from where the meeting was taking place. A total of 62 people were injured, including 35 police officers while 13 people were arrested, regional authorities said. 'Ungovernable' Sanchez and the head of Catalonia's separatist government, Quim Torra, have expressed a commitment to an "effective dialogue" to try to resolve the dispute over the wealthy region's status within Spain. At the cabinet meeting itself, the government approved a 22-per cent increase in the minimum wage, a pay hike for public workers and announced investments in infrastructure projects in Catalonia. "We came here to show (our) affection, (our) attachment to Catalonia," government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa said afterwards. "We are working for the wellbeing of all our fellow citizens." Spain's wealthiest region, Catalonia is home to some 7.5 million people and has its own language. A radical separatist group, the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), blocked a dozen main roads from around dawn on Friday, regional transport authorities said. "We will be ungovernable on December 21," the group repeatedly tweeted. The Spanish government sent police reinforcements to Barcelona and Catalan leaders repeated their call for protests to be peaceful. Divergent positions Catalonia declared independence in October 2017 after pushing ahead with a banned independence referendum, but Spanish authorities stifled the attempt. Several Catalan independence leaders were detained on charges of rebellion or misuse of public funds, and prosecutors are seeking jail terms of up to 25 years. Sanchez took office as prime minister eight months later after winning a surprise vote of no-confidence against the previous conservative government with the support of Catalan separatist parties. He initially adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Catalonia than his conservative predecessor, but efforts to ease tensions with the region have hit a wall. Sanchez and Torra were photographed holding talks in Barcelona on Thursday night, drawing fire from both the conservative right and radical separatists. The leader of the conservative opposition Popular Party in parliament, Dolors Montserrat, branded the meeting "shameful" and "a betrayal of Spain". "Dialogue seems like a step backwards to me," said separatist demonstrator Mariona Godia, 35. "That just looks like a photo aimed at calming people down." While Sanchez has proposed giving Catalonia more powers, Torra wants a legally binding referendum on independence.

60 injured, 13 arrested in protest against Spain cabinet meeting in Catalonia

New Zealand fought back from two goals down to hold Spain to a 2-2 draw in their penultimate Pool A match. By the virtue of this draw, the Kiwis have qualified for the knock-out stages of the men’s hockey World Cup.&nbsp;

Spain scored two field goals in the opening two quarters through Albert Beltran (9th minute) and Alvaro Iglesias (27th) to go into the half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

But the Black Sticks made a stupendous comeback in the final 10 minutes of the game and scored through Hayden Phillips (50th) and Kane Russell (56th) to upset the World no 8.&nbsp;

In the encounter, it was the Black Sticks who had the first shy at the goal in the sixth minute but Hugo Inglis strike from close range was saved by Spain captain and goalkeeper Quico Cortes.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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📸 | Glimpses from the tightly-fought game between <a href="https://twitter.com/rfe_hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rfe_hockey</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BlackSticks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlackSticks</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/TqCKNl0YBp">pic.twitter.com/TqCKNl0YBp</a>
— Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sports_odisha/status/1070669398053011456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Olympic champions Argentina are at top of Pool A with six points from two wins. Despite losing to France by a margin of two goals, Argentina continues to top Pool A.

New Zealand fought back from two goals down to hold Spain to a 2-2 draw in their penultimate Pool A match. By the virtue of this draw, the Kiwis have qualified for the knock-out stages of the men’s hockey World Cup.

New Zealand fought back from two goals down to hold Spain to a 2-2 draw in their penultimate Pool A match. By the virtue of this draw, the Kiwis have qualified for the knock-out stages of the men’s hockey World Cup. Spain scored two field goals in the opening two quarters through Albert Beltran (9th minute) and Alvaro Iglesias (27th) to go into the half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead. But the Black Sticks made a stupendous comeback in the final 10 minutes of the game and scored through Hayden Phillips (50th) and Kane Russell (56th) to upset the World no 8. In the encounter, it was the Black Sticks who had the first shy at the goal in the sixth minute but Hugo Inglis strike from close range was saved by Spain captain and goalkeeper Quico Cortes. 📸 | Glimpses from the tightly-fought game between @rfe_hockey and @BlackSticks!#HWC2018 #Odisha2018 pic.twitter.com/TqCKNl0YBp — Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) December 6, 2018 × Meanwhile, Olympic champions Argentina are at top of Pool A with six points from two wins. Despite losing to France by a margin of two goals, Argentina continues to top Pool A.

Hockey World Cup 2018: New Zealand hold Spain to 2-2 draw, qualify for cross-overs

Skipper and goalkeeper Quico Cortes' brilliant penalty stroke save helped Spain hold France in a &nbsp;hard-fought 1-1 draw in their second Pool A match at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup on Monday.

The draw kept both the teams in the hunt for the knock-out round with one point apiece from two games.

It was a battle between world number 8 Spain and the 20th ranked France. It was France who stunned the Spaniards in the sixth minute when Timothee Clement scored from a field effort.

Spain came back strongly and restored parity in the 48th minute through Alvaro Iglesias' field strike.

France had a golden opportunity to register their first major upset of the tournament but the Spain skipper Cortes came to his side's rescue.

In the last 10 minutes, France were awarded a penalty stroke because of obstruction in front of the goal by a Spain defender after they went for video referral but Cortes made a brilliant save.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/rfe_hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rfe_hockey</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/FF_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FF_Hockey</a> showcased valiant effort on the turf which ended as a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Here are the best moments captured from the match. 
 
ALBUM: <a href="https://t.co/Gbh3FWXjUq">https://t.co/Gbh3FWXjUq</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilHockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DilHockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESPvFRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESPvFRA</a> <a href="https://t.co/aMjLovdasP">pic.twitter.com/aMjLovdasP</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1069589010283094017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Spain had lost 3-4 to Olympic champions Argentina in their tournament opener, while France suffered a 1-2 defeat against New Zealand.

Spain will next play New Zealand in their final pool match on December 6, while France will be up against Argentina.&nbsp;

Skipper and goalkeeper Quico Cortes' brilliant penalty stroke save helped Spain hold France in a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their second Pool A match at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup on Monday.

Skipper and goalkeeper Quico Cortes' brilliant penalty stroke save helped Spain hold France in a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their second Pool A match at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup on Monday. The draw kept both the teams in the hunt for the knock-out round with one point apiece from two games. It was a battle between world number 8 Spain and the 20th ranked France. It was France who stunned the Spaniards in the sixth minute when Timothee Clement scored from a field effort. Spain came back strongly and restored parity in the 48th minute through Alvaro Iglesias' field strike. France had a golden opportunity to register their first major upset of the tournament but the Spain skipper Cortes came to his side's rescue. In the last 10 minutes, France were awarded a penalty stroke because of obstruction in front of the goal by a Spain defender after they went for video referral but Cortes made a brilliant save. .@rfe_hockey & @FF_Hockey showcased valiant effort on the turf which ended as a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Here are the best moments captured from the match. ALBUM: https://t.co/Gbh3FWXjUq#IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey #ESPvFRA pic.twitter.com/aMjLovdasP — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 3, 2018 × Spain had lost 3-4 to Olympic champions Argentina in their tournament opener, while France suffered a 1-2 defeat against New Zealand. Spain will next play New Zealand in their final pool match on December 6, while France will be up against Argentina.

Hockey World Cup 2018: Spain hold France to 1-1 draw

Britain on Friday unveiled four agreements signed with Spain as part of the Brexit withdrawal deal that provides for unprecedented cooperation between Madrid and Gibraltar.

The memoranda of understanding outline cooperation in the fields of tobacco smuggling, policing, workers' rights and the environment, setting up joint committees that will meet to exchange information.

This only applies to the transition period until the United Kingdom actually leaves the European Union, but nevertheless represents a boost in relations between Spain and Gibraltar, a British overseas territory long claimed by Madrid.

"The memoranda reflect our shared desire to work together in a spirit of trust and solidarity," the British government said in a statement.

They do not, however, touch on the thorny issue of sovereignty.

Spain has a long-standing claim on Gibraltar, a small rocky outcrop on Spain's southern tip that it ceded to the British crown in 1713.

Gibraltar, however, wants to maintain its ties with the United Kingdom.

Relations between Spain and Gibraltar have long been strained and this has been reflected in the small land border between the two.

In one particularly belligerent row over disputed waters, Spanish authorities upped border checks in 2013, creating hours-long logjams and forcing the European Commission to intervene and ease the crisis.

But Brexit forced the governments of Spain, Gibraltar and Britain to the negotiating table on many long-standing issues.

Under the accords, Gibraltar has agreed to increase the price of tobacco products in an effort to attack contraband trade.

Prices are currently between 25 and 48 per cent lower than in Spain, depending on the products, according to the government of Gibraltar.

The deal says that "by June 30, 2020, the average retail price differential of tobacco products will be no more than 32 per cent greater than the most recently published Spanish prices for the equivalent tobacco products."

Another memorandum sets up a joint Spain-Gibraltar committee for police and customs cooperation, another for workers' rights and another on environmental issues, with each side having an equal number of members.

Britain on Friday unveiled four agreements signed with Spain as part of the Brexit withdrawal deal that provides for unprecedented cooperation between Madrid and Gibraltar.

Britain on Friday unveiled four agreements signed with Spain as part of the Brexit withdrawal deal that provides for unprecedented cooperation between Madrid and Gibraltar. The memoranda of understanding outline cooperation in the fields of tobacco smuggling, policing, workers' rights and the environment, setting up joint committees that will meet to exchange information. This only applies to the transition period until the United Kingdom actually leaves the European Union, but nevertheless represents a boost in relations between Spain and Gibraltar, a British overseas territory long claimed by Madrid. "The memoranda reflect our shared desire to work together in a spirit of trust and solidarity," the British government said in a statement. They do not, however, touch on the thorny issue of sovereignty. Spain has a long-standing claim on Gibraltar, a small rocky outcrop on Spain's southern tip that it ceded to the British crown in 1713. Gibraltar, however, wants to maintain its ties with the United Kingdom. Relations between Spain and Gibraltar have long been strained and this has been reflected in the small land border between the two. In one particularly belligerent row over disputed waters, Spanish authorities upped border checks in 2013, creating hours-long logjams and forcing the European Commission to intervene and ease the crisis. But Brexit forced the governments of Spain, Gibraltar and Britain to the negotiating table on many long-standing issues. Under the accords, Gibraltar has agreed to increase the price of tobacco products in an effort to attack contraband trade. Prices are currently between 25 and 48 per cent lower than in Spain, depending on the products, according to the government of Gibraltar. The deal says that "by June 30, 2020, the average retail price differential of tobacco products will be no more than 32 per cent greater than the most recently published Spanish prices for the equivalent tobacco products." Another memorandum sets up a joint Spain-Gibraltar committee for police and customs cooperation, another for workers' rights and another on environmental issues, with each side having an equal number of members.

Brexit deals bring Spain, Gibraltar closer together

Spain will not sign on to China's ambitious "One Belt, One Road" initiative that seeks to better link Asia and Europe, a senior government official said Tuesday ahead of a visit by President Xi Jinping.

The multi-billion-dollar initiative, unveiled by Xi in 2013, aims to link the continents through a network of ports, railways, roads and industrial parks.

Beijing plans to develop the network through 65 countries representing an estimated 60 per cent of the world's population and a third of its economic output.

So far, around 70 countries have signed a memorandum of understanding pledging their interest in the project -- an agreement that Beijing values as it seeks to expand its project.

In Europe, countries such as Poland and Greece have signed but the project has created considerable anxiety that it masks an attempted Beijing influence grab.

"We're not going to sign the initiative," said an official from the Spanish prime minister's office, who refused to be named.

"Europe has a connectivity initiative with Asia, so we think Europeans should work within this framework," the official said, citing his country's reason for not signing China's Silk Road plan.

He was referring to the European Union in September presenting its own plans to develop a parallel network of infrastructure to connect it to Asia.

But the Madrid statement ahead of Xi's state visit to Spain later Tuesday could irk China.

Jean-Francois Di Meglio, president of France's Asia Centre research centre, said the memoranda of understanding that countries have signed with China have little legal value.

But they are a "signal that 'I want to do business with you'," he told AFP.

"In China's mind, it's really important to get it," he added, as Beijing pushes to revive Silk Road trade routes with its costly initiative.

Spain will not sign on to China's ambitious "One Belt, One Road" initiative that seeks to better link Asia and Europe, a senior government official said Tuesday ahead of a visit by President Xi Jinping.

Spain will not sign on to China's ambitious "One Belt, One Road" initiative that seeks to better link Asia and Europe, a senior government official said Tuesday ahead of a visit by President Xi Jinping. The multi-billion-dollar initiative, unveiled by Xi in 2013, aims to link the continents through a network of ports, railways, roads and industrial parks. Beijing plans to develop the network through 65 countries representing an estimated 60 per cent of the world's population and a third of its economic output. So far, around 70 countries have signed a memorandum of understanding pledging their interest in the project -- an agreement that Beijing values as it seeks to expand its project. In Europe, countries such as Poland and Greece have signed but the project has created considerable anxiety that it masks an attempted Beijing influence grab. "We're not going to sign the initiative," said an official from the Spanish prime minister's office, who refused to be named. "Europe has a connectivity initiative with Asia, so we think Europeans should work within this framework," the official said, citing his country's reason for not signing China's Silk Road plan. He was referring to the European Union in September presenting its own plans to develop a parallel network of infrastructure to connect it to Asia. But the Madrid statement ahead of Xi's state visit to Spain later Tuesday could irk China. Jean-Francois Di Meglio, president of France's Asia Centre research centre, said the memoranda of understanding that countries have signed with China have little legal value. But they are a "signal that 'I want to do business with you'," he told AFP. "In China's mind, it's really important to get it," he added, as Beijing pushes to revive Silk Road trade routes with its costly initiative.

Spain rejects China's Silk Road plan: Government source

With banners and slogans against sexism and related crimes, thousands protested in Spanish cities on Sunday to mark international day for the elimination of violence against women.&nbsp;

Protesters took to the streets in Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia, and Bilbao, reflecting how the fight to stop violence against woman has become a national cause in Spain.

"We are here for all those women who have been murdered, in Madrid and in Spain. We are taking it very personally," said Rosa Orea at the Madrid rally.

Since 2003, 972 women have been killed by their partners or ex-partners in Spain, 44 of those so far in 2018, according to government figures.&nbsp;

"The situation has changed for our generation, but we have to keep fighting because this (violence) happens more than it seems," said Sofia Serrano a Madrid student.

Violence against women has been a key political cause in Spain since 2004 when new laws were introduced against the crime.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Sunday reiterated his government's "commitment" to eradicate violence against women and "culture" of sexism.

With banners and slogans against sexism and related crimes, thousands protested in Spanish cities on Sunday to mark international day for the elimination of violence against women.

With banners and slogans against sexism and related crimes, thousands protested in Spanish cities on Sunday to mark international day for the elimination of violence against women. Protesters took to the streets in Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia, and Bilbao, reflecting how the fight to stop violence against woman has become a national cause in Spain. "We are here for all those women who have been murdered, in Madrid and in Spain. We are taking it very personally," said Rosa Orea at the Madrid rally. Since 2003, 972 women have been killed by their partners or ex-partners in Spain, 44 of those so far in 2018, according to government figures. "The situation has changed for our generation, but we have to keep fighting because this (violence) happens more than it seems," said Sofia Serrano a Madrid student. Violence against women has been a key political cause in Spain since 2004 when new laws were introduced against the crime. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Sunday reiterated his government's "commitment" to eradicate violence against women and "culture" of sexism.

Thousands march across Spain to protest violence against women

Jose Mourinho has reopened his feud with former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas on Friday after claiming he is behind a campaign to oust David de Gea from the national team.

The Manchester United stopper came in for renewed criticism last week following Spain's 3-2 Nations League defeat to Croatia, which cost them a place in the semi-finals and led to Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga taking his place for the subsequent friendly win over Bosnia on Sunday.

But Mourinho hinted his former Real Madrid stopper Casillas, who has been linked with a possible return to international duty, is behind a media-driven campaign to drive the United player out of the Spain team.&nbsp;

"Why (is there) criticism in Spain? Do you know?” said Mourinho.

"I know. It is because there is somebody very powerful that is thinking about 'jumping' again but I think it's very difficult to jump when you have the best goalkeeper in the world in front of you."

De Gea was among a number of leading Spanish internationals whose displays in a disappointing World Cup campaign in Russia were widely criticised.

Mourinho and Casillas had a stormy relationship during the Portuguese manager's three years in charge at Real and have taken verbal swipes at each other ever since.

Mourinho said that the veteran keeper, 37 and now at Porto, was using his extensive media contacts to pile pressure on De Gea rather than exert influence on Spain manager Luis Enrique.

"No, not on the manager," said Mourinho. "I know him very well, the manager. But (on the media), yes."

Jose Mourinho has reopened his feud with former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas on Friday after claiming he is behind a campaign to oust David de Gea from the national team.

Jose Mourinho has reopened his feud with former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas on Friday after claiming he is behind a campaign to oust David de Gea from the national team. The Manchester United stopper came in for renewed criticism last week following Spain's 3-2 Nations League defeat to Croatia, which cost them a place in the semi-finals and led to Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga taking his place for the subsequent friendly win over Bosnia on Sunday. But Mourinho hinted his former Real Madrid stopper Casillas, who has been linked with a possible return to international duty, is behind a media-driven campaign to drive the United player out of the Spain team. "Why (is there) criticism in Spain? Do you know?” said Mourinho. "I know. It is because there is somebody very powerful that is thinking about 'jumping' again but I think it's very difficult to jump when you have the best goalkeeper in the world in front of you." De Gea was among a number of leading Spanish internationals whose displays in a disappointing World Cup campaign in Russia were widely criticised. Mourinho and Casillas had a stormy relationship during the Portuguese manager's three years in charge at Real and have taken verbal swipes at each other ever since. Mourinho said that the veteran keeper, 37 and now at Porto, was using his extensive media contacts to pile pressure on De Gea rather than exert influence on Spain manager Luis Enrique. "No, not on the manager," said Mourinho. "I know him very well, the manager. But (on the media), yes."

Casillas behind anti-De Gea campaign, says Jose Mourinho

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