CARLES Puigdemont has called for violence to be avoided and has said dialogue is a priority.

Puigdemont, speaking in Belgium, said his team would continue to work despite Spain's dissolution of the Catalan Parlaiment following the disputed independence vote.

He also stated that pro-independence candidates would "accept the challenge" of elections in December, and challenged the Spanish Government to do the same.

Puigdemont stated that "We are never afraid of democracy or ballot boxes."

He continued to ask if the Spanish Government would respect the result of the upcoming elections should pro-indpendence ministers take a majority once again.

On Tuesday he recapped the issues which led him to leave for Belgium the previous day, citing that "the Spanish Government planned a highly violent offensive against Catalan citizens, civil servants and government ministers".

He did not immediately say in his statement what he would do in Brussels or whether he would seek asylum.

Puigdemont told journalists Spain wanted "'us to abandon our political project, and they won't achieve it".

He had arrived at Brussels Press Club for a news conference amid speculation that he would claim asylum.

Puigdemont walked into the building past a few protesters with Spanish national flags and one sign that said Rule Of Law.

He then said he had come to Brussels to act "in freedom and safety".