Zimbabwe against Catalonia UDI

ZIMBABWE will not accept the unilateral declaration of independence by the Catalonia region of the Kingdom of Spain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said: "Zimbabwe cannot accept this unlawful disintergration of the Kingdom of Spain.

"Zimbabwe has enjoyed very good cordial bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Spain since our Independence in 1980.

Both nations have closely followed developments in each other's territories with keen interest for the furtherance of the interests of both our peoples."

The ministry urged all concerned parties to engage in peaceful dialogue to address whatever maybe the issues which have compelled the regional authorities in Catalonia to adopt their intention to leave the Kingdom.

"The Republic of Zimbabwe respects the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Spain and will not recognise any new state which would be the result of illegitimate acts," said the ministry.

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont together with regional leaders signed a declaration of independence from Spain.

This followed a disputed referendum.

They want Catalonia to be recognised as an independent and sovereign state.