Separatist leaders in Catalonia are seeking to avoid an immediate declaration of independence from Spain as officials in Madrid and business leaders in Barcelona ratchet up pressure on the nationalist camp. With the movement’s leaders divided on the issue, some on the Catalan side want to create more time for a negotiated settlement, said two people familiar with their plans. The leader of the most powerful group among the separatists promised the regional parliament will meet as planned Monday, defying an order by Spain’s highest court, though stopping short of vowing a unilateral declaration. “There will be some ... (full story)