Catalan separatists win control of regional government

Separatist parties have won control of Catalonia's regional government, putting mounting pressure on Spain's central government to grant a referendum for independence for the region.

The main pro-independence party "Junts pel Si" (Together for Yes) won 62 seats in the 135-strong assembly while smaller leftist party CUP won another 10 seats, official results showed. Together, they won 47.33% of the vote.

"Catalans have voted yes to independence," acting Catalan regional government head Artur Mas told supporters after 70% of the vote was counted.

"We ask that the world recognise the victory of Catalonia and the victory of the yes."

Both parties have said that they will unilaterally declare independence within 18 months, although the central government in Madrid says it will block the move in court.