The Logic of Josep Borrell --- Like my class colleagues, in their critique of Mr. Borrell, I perceive a man who, if he has any humanity (pathos) or character (ethos) it was diminished by this interview.

Some remarks on his lack of logic (logos) is called for. There is an inconsistency within his arguments that supported the fairness of the Spanish judicial system. His churlish response underscored his lack of understanding of national Spanish law and international law; specifically, when he says that “"we cannot give the independence people their right to determination as they are asking for because it is against the Spanish constitution and this has nothing to do with international law,"

Does the right to self-determination include a unilateral right to secession? It is a fact that there has been no recognition by other countries of Catalonia as an independent country. Contrary to Mr. Borrell’s assertion that the Spanish constitution does not permit secession the question of the status of succession under international law is debatable. There is no principle in international law granting a right nor is there a prohibition. There is a right to national self-determination.

From the point of view of international law, unilateral secession is only accepted in the context of decolonization and the right to self-determination of the peoples. The Advisory Board for National Transition created by the Government of Catalonia recognized this fact.

It is worth noting that both Spain and Catalonia were at one time annexed by France. Between 1812 and 1813, Catalonia was directly annexed to France itself, and organized an ordinary civil administration in the form of four (later two) départements. Catalonia has had a Statute of Autonomy since 1932. Spain has only recently become a democracy. This transition to democracy came after the death of the dictator Francisco Franco, in November 1975.

Mr. Borrell’s political disposition presents as more partial to the Franco system of governance. However my harsh critique is qualified by Mr. Borrell’s logic that Spanish laser-guided bombs, sold to the Saudis, can distinguish between Yemenese civilians and uniformed military.

It is worth noting that Catalan is recognized as a separate language from Spanish – i.e. not a dialect of Spanish. In the quest for self-determination it is important to evaluate the independent history, culture, and language of Catalonia that is distinct from Spain.

Source author: John D. Hipsley jhipsley@igc.org