Two Swiss MPs warn that the "lock" state "pushes" Catalonia towards the unilateral referendum

Saturday, April 22, 2017

The Reynard socialist considers "logical" that Parliament vote and boost Buttet Christian Democrat believes that participation will be "essential" for international recognition 

by   ACN04/22/2017

Swiss MPs Mathias Reynard, the S & D, and Yannick Buttet, the EPP, the Palau de la Generalitat  | ACN

 

Two Swiss members of parliament understand that Catalonia chooses to call a referendum unilaterally if Spain continues its "blockade" . In an interview with ACN, the Socialist Mathias Reynard and Christian Democrat Yannick Buttet warn that the government 's refusal to talk "pushes" Catalonia to the RUI and is "logical" that the parliamentary majority pro-independence fulfill its democratic mandate. "I'm not saying optimal solution but I understand the position of the government , " said Reynard."What is essential, seen from outside, will participate, how many Catalans vote if the referendum is organized unilaterally , " adds Buttet.

Reynard and Buttet, co-chairs of Integrup friendship Catalonia of the Swiss parliament,  part of the delegation of Members of this country that this week has met with representatives of theCatalan Parliament and Government  , including President Carles Puigdemont, the president of the chamber, Carmen Forcadell, or the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Raül Romeva.

"Seen from Switzerland   hard tounderstand that a population is not allowed to express"  regrets Reynard, recalling that his country vote "four times a year for all kinds of issues." "When there is conflict and disagreement, the simplest is debate and vote , "he reiterates, criticizing" obstruction "in the desire of the Catalan population to hold a referendum.

"We understand that Spain does not want the independence of Catalonia, is understandable. But that prevent vote no"  , highlights this socialist. " I share this view," the Buttet Christian Democrat, remember that it is precisely "the habit of voting regularly" in Switzerland which has allowed "stability and peace" in the country and "respect for different sensibilities" ideological and nationals living. By Buttet, the situation in Catalonia is already "in crisis" and the coming months will be "decisive" for their future and also for the "in Spain and Europe."

"I have the impression that the blockade comes from Spain , " admits Reynard, who claims to have held meetings with the Spanish ambassador who always end up in a constitutional debate. " There is some political intelligence, be open to dialogue and discussion , " argues the Swiss deputy, criticizing the legal proceedings brought against independence politicians, who looks like a "bullying". "In Switzerland would be unimaginable , " he says. "We aresurprised , " adds Buttet, warning that it can not pursue "people criminally for, as in the case of the President of Parliament, organize a debate."

Both MEPs   regret the current situation "lock"   and see you may end up calling a unilateral referendum in Catalonia. Reynard recalls, the elections of 27-S gave "a parliamentary majority for independence" and people expect their deputies "get involved" in enforcing its democratic mandate.For him, it is "logical" that the parliament wants to organize a referendum and the refusal of the Spanish government pactarlo "pushes today the Catalan government to the unilateral way"."I'm not saying that is the optimal solution, but I understand the position of the government , " he added.
 

In a context of unilateralism, Buttett sees "essential" "participation"   to achieve recognition both domestically and internationally. However, he says that does not correspond to mark the required limit, noting that it should negotiate "previously".Conservative MP is surprised because during your stay in Barcelona some opposed to independence have told him that "will win if there is a referendum.""So why do not they want to question people?" He says.
 

The co-chairs of Integrup on Catalonia in the Swiss parliament recall that asked the federal government if they would be willing to mediate between the Catalan government and the Spanish to resolve the situation, especially given its long tradition in the field. "The answer was there is a possibility to do so, but should be a demand for Catalonia and Spain, and is not the case. therefore,  Switzerland will not be involved without a request of both parties,  "Reynard said.

Both Swiss parliamentarians have been in Catalonia along with two deputies on a trip organized in the program of international visits to the Diplocat launched in 2013. Last month also visited Barcelona a group of Danish members and one French deputies.