Spain's King strikes back against Catalonia's call for independence

Spain's king has called on Spaniards to remain united to combat the economic crisis, an apparent reference to a massive independence rally in the powerful northeastern region of Catalonia last week.

In a message Tuesday on the palace website, King Juan Carlos said these were decisive moments for Spain and Europe and that "chasing chimeras" and "inciting dissension" was the worst way out.

Some 1.5 million people rallied Sept. 12 in the Catalan capital of Barcelona, many to demand independence.

Catalonia is Spain's most economically powerful region but also the one most in debt and in need of financial help from the central government in Madrid.

The regional government said it did not consider the message alluded to it.