Malta will not support Catalan declaration of independence

The Maltese government has delcared it does not recognise a declaration of independence by Catalonia, after the region declared independence in a parliamentary vote.

Malta reiterated its support to the government of Spain. "Malta is observing with concern developments in Catalonia. Malta's position remains that we respect the territorial integrity of Spain. We believe that the current crisis has to be dealt with in line with the constitutional order of Spain respecting the Spanish Constitution and the fundamental rights of all citizens," foreign minister Carmelo Abela said.

The Spanish government has now stripped Catalonia of its autonomy and taken charge of its government.

The measures early on Saturday came after the Catalan parliament voted to declare independence on Friday.

An official state bulletin dismissed Catalan leaders and handed control of Catalonia to Spain's Deputy Prime Minister, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria.

Earlier, Catalonia's most senior police officials were dismissed by the Spanish government.

On Friday, Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy announced the dissolution of the regional parliament and the removal of the Catalan leader, and called snap local elections.

Demonstrations for and against independence went on into the night.

More are expected on Saturday, with a rally "for the unity of Spain and the constitution" to be held in Madrid.