German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Germany refuses to recognize a unilateral declaration of independence of Catalonia from Spain, Sky news reported Friday.

"The German government does not recognize such a declaration of independence," the spokesman said.

He added that Berlin supported the "clear position" of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in his bid to restore calm and order.

"We hope that all involved will use the remaining possibilities for dialogue and de-escalation," he said.

Source: MENA