Reuters: Ousted Catalan leader will not return to Spain to testify: lawyer
MADRID (Reuters) - A lawyer for dismissed Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, due to appear in a Spanish court this week to answer charges relating to Catalonia’s push for independence, said he would not return to testify but could answer questions from Belgium.
If Puigdemont fails to appear before the court, an arrest warrant could be issued that would in turn prevent him from standing in the snap regional election called by the Spanish government for Dec. 21.
There was currently no arrest warrant out for Puigdemont, the lawyer told Associated Press.
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MIDDLE EAST
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Yemen army reports gains on Sana’a front.
Bahrain accuses opposition leaders of spying for Qatar.
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ASIA
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US quietly pursuing negotiations with North Korea: report.
China, South Korea presidents to meet as missile shield row eases.
South Korean firms breath sigh of relief amid thaw in China ties.
Japan parliament re-elects Shinzo Abe as prime minister.
Australia to ban climbing on Uluru from 2019.
Olympic flame lands in South Korea for 2018 Winter Games.
AFRICA
Niger defense minister asks U.S. to deploy armed drones against militants.
At least 12 killed in east Libya air strike: medical source.
Gunfire as rare protests hit streets of Eritrea's capital.
'Islamist extremist' stabs two Tunisian policemen outside parliament.
Kenya's deputy leader takes hard line over disputed election win .
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Russia to build nuclear power plants in Nigeria.
EUROPE
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NATO chief calls on UN to uphold North Korea sanctions.
Macron anti-terror law replaces French state of emergency.
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Angela Merkel clings to top spot in Forbes 100 most powerful women list.
AMERICAS
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TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
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ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
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