A LEADING figure in the Catalan independence movement will come to Scotland to speak at a major Yes event next month.
It has been confirmed that Anna Arque will address the Scottish Independence Convention (SIC) conference at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Saturday, November 4.
Titled Build: Bridges to Indy, it is expected to be attended by up to 2000 people. It will focus on how No voters from 2014 could be won over ahead of a new referendum.
Arque, a founding member of the National Coordination for the Popular Referendum, has become renowned and internationally recognised for her leadership in grassroots activism and has been heavily involved in Catalonia’s current drive for independence and the recent referendum.
Arque is currently spokeswoman for Catalonia at the International Commission of European Citizens (ICEC), an NGO based in Brussels, working to further the right of self-determination and democracy.
Social movements from Scotland, Catalonia, Flanders, Euskal Herria, Veneto and South Tyrol together with social representatives from other European nations use ICEC as a focal point forum and meeting place.
Arque also appears as a regular analyst on Catalan TV and radio as well as international networks from around the world.
In accepting her invitation to speak at the conference, Arque said “I’m a strong believer that popular sovereignty is the best definition of democracy and that international solidarity is the best tool to challenge imperialist propaganda.
“Despite some skewed mainstream coverage of our referendum, the Catalonian people have proven how powerful peaceful, mass-movement politics can be in affecting change and challenging the seemingly unmovable forces that are trying to block it.
“I am very pleased to be addressing the Scottish Independence Convention and to be able to share my experiences with the Scottish movement, as there will always be things we can learn from each other’s challenges.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Independence Convention said: “We are delighted to have Anna address the Scottish independence movement in the Usher Hall.
“She’s a leading figure in the Catalonian independence movement and the current campaign to secure self-determination.
“As someone who is so heavily involved in the Catalan referendum it will be fascinating to hear her story. Our own movement can learn a lot from her experience.”
Other speakers at the event, which follows a sold-out conference in Glasgow in January, will include National columnist Lesley Riddoch, SIC co-convener Elaine C Smith and Robin McAlpine, director of the Common Weal think tank.
Event passes are on sale on the Usher Hall website for £15, with concession prices of £8. See www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/build-bridges-indy
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