Catalan Parliament Paves way for Referendum on Independence - Wednesday Jan 23,2013

The parliament of Spain's North-eastern Region of Catalonia has approved a largely symbolic declaration stating the region is a sovereign entity, paving the way for a referendum on independence from Spain

The proposal was carried Wednesday by 85 votes in favour, with 41 against and two abstentions.The declaration was backed by the region's governing Convergence and Union group and the Republican Left. It was opposed by the Catalan Socialist party and the Popular party that governs Spain.

Though symbolic, the declaration sets up a potential showdown with the central government in Madrid, which has said it will block any move toward Catalan independence in the courts.

Polls show Catalans are evenly divided over independence, but a majority opposes it if it means exiting the EU.