'Europe Can Move Forward Only if It is United': Greece Backs Spain's Integrity

Amid the grave constitutional crisis in Spain triggered by Catalonia's declaration of independence, Europe's powers have criticized Barcelona and expressed their support for Madrid.

ATHENS (Sputnik) — In a statement obtained by Sputnik, Greek government spokesman Dimitris Tsanakopulos claimed that Greece was supportive of the territorial integrity of Spain and efforts aimed at restoring political dialogue in line with the Spanish constitution.

He also stressed that "Europe can move forward only if it is united" and  thus "unilateral actions cannot be taken."

Dialogue has been, and will always be, our choice to solve political situations and achieve peaceful solutions. @CharlesMichel https://t.co/6sRWiGfHvO

— Carles Puigdemont (@KRLS) October 27, 2017

On Friday, the Catalan parliament, in a secret ballot, adopted a resolution declaring the region's independence from Spain in the form of a republic. Spain's central authorities immediately responded by triggering Article 155 of the constitution and thus stripping Catalonia of its autonomous status. Spain imposed direct rule on Catalonia by dissolving local parliament and firing the devolved government and other Catalan high-ranking officials. The crisis has deepened since Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont refuses to recognize the dismissal of the government.

READ MORE: A Day of High Drama: What Do We Know So Far About Catalan Push for Independence

On October 1, more than 90 percent of the 2.26 million Catalans who participated in the independence referendum backed the secession from Spain. The vote was deemed illegal by Madrid, however, Catalonia's authorities decided to proceed with region's breakaway bid.