BRUSSELS, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Ousted Catalonian leader Carles Puigdemont will be considered just as any other European citizen in Belgium, said Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel in a press communique published Tuesday.
Puigdemont told a press conference here that he will not seek political asylum in Belgium and that he was in Brussels only because it is Europe's capital city. This declaration has put an end to rumors he may apply for political asylum in Belgium.
"I am here in Brussels as the capital city of Europe. I am here in order to act with freedom and safety," said Puigdemont.
Shortly after this press conference, Belgian PM Michel released a statement to insist on the fact that Puigdemont would have the same duties and rights as other European citizens.
"The Belgian government has not taken a single step to encourage Puigdemont to come to Belgium," the statement added, "The Belgian government has repeatedly called for a political dialogue to solve the crisis in Spain, in the framework of national and international order."
Michel said he was willing to maintain strong diplomatic ties with Spain in regards of the current circumstances.
In Spain, a prosecutor is currently determining whether prosecution charges against Puigdemont of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds can be proved. So far, the ousted Catalonian leader remains completely free.
