A LEADING member of the Catalan government has praised The National for our coverage of their independence battle with Spain.

Minister for the presidency, Elsa Artadi, made her remarks after we were presented with the Culture Award from the National Editors Association of Catalonia (APPEC) at a ceremony in Barcelona.

APPEC said The National had demonstrated international commitment “to the rights and freedoms of Catalonia”.

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Germà Capdevila, APPEC’s president said Catalans were well aware of media coverage of their cause from outside Catalonia.

“The National has been an exemplary means of communication in informing the Catalan reality, better than the newspapers that are published in Madrid,” he said. “Your sensitivity to the situation in Catalonia has been highly valued for us.”

Speaking to The National at the ceremony, Artadi said our reportage had been “amazing”.

“I think you have done many things to deserve this,” she said. “The coverage of the conflict in Catalonia, what’s happening with repression and the lack of democracy, the persecution of our citizens, not only politicians but civic society and journalists, I think has been amazing.

“Also, you give us great front pages that are close to our hearts, especially now with you having Clara Ponsati back in Scotland and you’re comforting her there and making her feel at home.

“For us this is priceless and we are very happy that you are doing this job.”

Callum Baird, The National’s editor, accepting the award, said: “The welcome we have received in our short time here has been nothing short of amazing.

“We wish we could have an packed editors’ event like this in Scotland – but sadly all our pro-independence editors are here tonight!

“It’s been great to have a fascinating insight into how the Catalan media works. It’s clear that Scotland and The National has a lot to learn.”

The awards ceremony came as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed a call from Catalan president Quim Torra for an agreed, legal referendum on Catalan independence.

Torra had said such a poll would be on the table when the two leaders have their first official talks on July 9.

However, Sánchez, who had previously backed the imposition of direct rule by Madrid over the Catalan indy declaration, said his position had not changed – and the debate would likely outlast his administration.

Speaking ahead of a European Union summit on the migrant crisis, he said his focus was on easing tensions following the October referendum.

Self-determination was not the solution and he said it would only further divide the wealthy north-eastern state.

Sánchez said: “There’s one bloc, which isn’t a majority, that backs pro-independence parties.

“I think that what the majority of Catalan society wants is a relationship between its distinct region and the rest of the country.”

Meanwhile, the Spanish government has said measures are under way to prepare to transfer imprisoned politicians and civil activists to institutions in Catalonia. Sánchez has already said it would be “reasonable” to move them from prisons in Madrid, and it is thought they could be transferred within days.