Catalan parliament declares independence from Spain

The Catalan regional parliament has declared independence from Spain even as Madrid readies to take control of the region, AFP reported.

The 70-10 ballot was boycotted only by Opposition MPs, BBC reported.

Catalan separatist parties on Friday filed a resolution in the regional parliament in which they declared independence from Spain, a spokesman for Catalonia's ruling coalition said earlier.

"We declare Catalonia an independent state in the form of a republic," reads the start of the proposed resolution crafted by separatist lawmakers, which hold a majority in the regional parliament that may later proceed to a vote, said the "Together for Yes" coalition spokesman.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vowedto "restore legality" in Catalonia after the regional parliament declared independence.

"I ask all Spaniards to remain calm. The rule of law will restore legality in Catalonia," he wrote in a Twitter message immediately after the Catalan assembly voted in favour of declaring independence from Spain.

Spanish senators met earlier on Friday to adopt drastic measures to impose direct rule on rebel region which held an unlawful independence referendum on October 1.

The Senate, where Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party holds a majority, is scheduled to vote on steps to depose Catalonia's secessionist government before the week is out.

Catalan bank shares fell after the regional parliament declared independence.