UK not to recognize Catalan independence: PM May

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - The United Kingdom would not recognize any Catalan independence if it is declared, British prime minister said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May discussed the ongoing situation in Catalonia with her Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy in a phone call, a government statement said.

"The U.K. is clear that the referendum had no legal basis and that any unilateral declaration of independence would be inconsistent with the rule of law," the statement quoted May as saying.

She added: "the U.K. would not recognise any such declaration of independence by Catalonia."

An overwhelming majority of voters in the wealthy northeastern region opted for independence from Spain in an Oct. 1 referendum. However, the turnout was only around 43 percent and the vote had been declared illegal by Spain's courts.

Scenes of Spanish police breaking up attempted voting also increased tensions in the region.

Several European countries have indicated they would not recognize any unilateral declaration of independence by Catalonia.

The two leaders also discussed about the recent forest fires in northern Spain. May “expressed her condolences over the loss of life and the damage caused," according to the statement.

Discussing progress made in Brexit negotiations, the leaders said they "looked ahead to meeting at this week’s European Council."