The statement says that the government of Catalonia, regional parliamentary officials and the country's prosecutors will have three days to submit comments to the court. The U.S. State Department says it stands in support of Spain's government in its efforts to stop Catalonia's independence bid. ———5:10 p.m.Spanish financial markets have fallen slightly after the regional parliament of Catalonia voted to declare independence from Spain, escalating a showdown with Madrid. Spain is facing its greatest threat to unity yet after Catalan lawmakers voted Friday to make their region independent. Rajoy says if the measures are approved, Spain's government will fire Catalonia regional President Carles Puigdemont and his ministers.

Source: ABC News October 27, 2017 08:22 UTC