LOC16:37
13:37 GMT
MADRID, Dec 21 (KUNA) -- Spanish Government on Friday named Barcelona International Airport after the eminent Catalonian politician, Josep Tarradellas, in a gesture intended thaw the icy ties with the separatist Catalonians.
This came during a news conference following Spain's Cabinet session, held in the Catalonian provincial capital, Barcelona, in an unprecedented event that came amid clashes between government security forces and demonstrators, protesting presence of government officials in the city.
A government spokesperson said the cabinet had taken the decision to name the air facility after Josep Tarradellas, a historic and political personality in the region. Tarradellas (1899-1988) was the first local president in Catalonia following end of the dictatorship.
The spokesperson affirmed today's cabinet session was held in Barcelona as part of the approach toward rapprochement with the Catalonian population.
Seven people have been arrested during the clashes. (end)
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