Catalan leader to call independence vote despite Madrid resistance

Catalan President Artur Mas speaks during a meeting of the executives of the Catalan government at Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona, April 8, 2014. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Catalan President Artur Mas said on Wednesday he would call a non-binding vote on the region's independence in November to let locals at least express an opinion after Madrid blocked a full referendum.

Spain's parliament this month overwhelmingly rejected the wealthy region's request to hold a plebiscite, arguing it was unconstitutional.