The Maltese government has said it would not recognize a unilateral declaration of independence by Catalonia, after the region declared independence in a parliamentary vote on Friday.

The Mediterranean island and smallest EU member state, joined the likes of Germany, France and the United States, among others, in its support of the Spanish government.

"Malta is observing developments in Catalonia with concern," said Foreign minister Carmelo Abela, adding that Malta's position remained one which respected "the territorial integrity of Spain."

"We believe that the current crisis has to be dealt with in line with the constitutional order of Spain respecting the Spanish Constitution and the fundamental rights of all citizens," Abela stated.

The Spanish government stripped the region of its autonomy after its controversial independence vote in parliament Friday, effectively taking charge of its government.

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy announced the dissolution of the regional parliament and the removal of the Catalan leader, with an official state bulletin handing control of Catalonia to Spain's deputy prime minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria.

Snap elections were called in the region, which also saw its most senior police officials dismissed and demonstrations for and against independence running on into the night.

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