MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Sanctions are counterproductive and do not serve to resolve problems, he stressed, adding that differences must be resolved through negotiations.
"If Catalonia gets independence, it will recognize Crimea as a part of Russia. Why shouldn't we recognize Crimea? A referendum was held on the peninsula, and the people decided to join Russia. The results of the plebiscite can only be respected. And even though an independent Catalonia plans to join the European Union, this will not impact the decision. The same goes for anti-Russian sanctions," Folch told the Russian Izvestia newspaper.
Catalan Solidarity for Independence is a coalition of six political parties that was formed to participate in parliamentary election in Catalonia. The coalition actively promotes the idea of Catalonia’s independence from Spain.
Catalonia, a Spanish province with an autonomous status, has long sought independence from Spain, but Madrid has repeatedly declined Catalonia’s quest for independence. On November 9, 2014, about 80 percent of the Catalans who took part in a non-binding referendum on the region's status as part of Spain voted in favor of Catalonia becoming a state.
In September 2015, the region's parliament approved setting up a roadmap to achieve independence within the coming 18 months.
