Diplomat: Catalonia will be independent in the next two years

CATALONIA is on course to be independent from Spain within two years, says a senior diplomat. In an interview with The National, Albert Royo-Marine said he expected developments in the coming days to resolve the stalemate between the regional government and the central government in Madrid. The two governments have been at loggerheads since pro- independence parties in the north-eastern region achieved a clear majority for independence in September.