The leaders of seven southern European Union (EU) countries on Monday condemned the Syrian government for its use of chemical weapons and backed the US retaliatory attack.

In a statement ending a half-day summit near Madrid, the leaders of Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Malta said they "condemned in the strongest terms" Syria's chemical strike on 4 April.

They went on to say that the US airstrike days later on Syria's Shayrat Airfield "had the understandable intention to prevent and deter the spread and use of chemical weapons and was limited and focused on this objective".

French President Francois Hollande said the EU's duty was to strengthen its defence, protect is frontiers and fight against extremism.

The informal meeting was the third to be held by the southern nations and follows gatherings in Athens last September and in Lisbon in January.

The group also discussed negotiations regarding Britain's exit from the EU.

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat reiterated the stance that citizens should not be used as "bargaining chips" in Brexit negotiations.

Madrid - 10 April 2017

1. Leaders from Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta enter news conference

2. Flags

3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Mariano Rajoy, Spanish Prime Minister:

"The countries from the south of Europe condemn in the strongest terms the aerial attack with chemical weapons on 4 April in Syria. We understand that the attack by the United States in Syria had the understandable objective to impede and avoid the distribution and use of chemical weapons, this was the objective of the mission."

4. News conference

5. SOUNDBITE (French) Francois Hollande, French President:

"The fight against terrorism is the prime demand of the people. We are faced with threats which are again terribly painful: in Stockholm a few days ago, and if you want to look beyond Europe: Cairo, Alexandria yesterday. We have the obligation to reinforce our defence, move to protect our frontiers and fight even more against terrorism."

6. Cutaway

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Joseph Muscat, Maltese Prime Minister:

"We discussed in specific manners the issues regarding our citizens, European citizens in the UK and British citizens in Europe. And we believe, this is one of the first things we need to solve, that people should not be used as bargaining chips and there should be a solution, clear and fast solution to the issue regarding to citizens."

8. News conference ends

Madrid activated a new traffic restriction system Friday in an attempt to reduce pollution in the city.

Madrid Central established a low-emissions zone of 472 hectares (4.72 kilometres).

Petrol vehicles before 2000 and diesel ones registered before 2006 are banned from this central area.

Drivers will not be fined on Friday - the first day the restrictions were implemented.

Municipal Police were warning drivers of the new restrictions.

Residents and those owning a garage will be allowed to enter but will have to change their more polluting vehicles by 2025.  

Hybrid vehicles will be allowed into the area to park for a maximum of two hours.

Madrid council wants to cut nitrogen dioxide levels by 23% by 2020.

Pensioner Maria Jose Tirado has lived in the centre of Madrid all her life and said she was happy with the new restrictions.

For small business and shop owners the new restrictions however could affect their business.

Ana Venegas is the owner of a family run framing business centre of the new zone.

Venegas said there was a need for tighter controls but was concerned with how this may affect the shop.

Other European cities have tried different systems.

Athens has announced a complete ban by 2025, Paris brought in a system to ban all diesel cars between 8am to 8pm.

Madrid - 30 November 2018

1. Plaza de Cibeles square

2. Traffic control cameras

3. Traffic

4. Municipal Police stopping cars to inform them of new restrictions

5. Various of red lines on roads to mark new restrictive zone

6. Banners reading (Spanish): "Madrid Central - Enjoy Madrid"

7. Police trying to stop car

8. Madrid Central logo on road

9. Various of police officers stopping cars to inform of new restrictions

10. Madrid Central logo on the street

11. Cars driving over red lines

12. Banners reading (Spanish): "Madrid Central - Breathes Madrid"

13. Empty street inside Madrid Central zone

14. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Maria Jose Tirado, Madrid resident:

"There are many people who have breathing problems and many of them die on the days that there are high levels of pollution. So, therefore, it is beneficial for everyone. Also the streets belong to people. I always say to my friends that the streets are not elastic, no more cars can fit in."

15. Exterior of framing and mirror shop

16. Various of shop owner Ana Venegas preparing frame for print

17. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Ana Venegas, shop owner:

"We agree that it should be implemented but not on the terms it is being done. This is going to affect us a lot, both our suppliers and customers. The suppliers are not going to be able to enter, our materials are very large and they are not going to be able to bring them to us. We are now obliged to offer an additional free delivery service for our customers to send them their purchases."

18. Restrictions information sign

19. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Javier Santos, deliveryman:

"This is a mess, for those of us who work in the centre it is a huge problem. But that's the way it is, this is what our mayor wants."

20. Red lines

21. Restrictions information board

22. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Maria (No surname given), driver:

"I don't think that this is good, I have a business so what about my suppliers?"

23. Traffic red lines

24. Pedestrians crossing street

The Barcelona team arrived on Saturday at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium in an unmarked bus to play the Spanish football league match labelled "El Clasico".

The match is taking place as tensions remain high in Spain over an independence push in Catalonia, Barcelona's home region.

Barcelona football club strongly identifies with the region.

Spain's worst political crisis in decades is showing few signs of abating after Catalan separatist parties clinched a parliamentary majority in an exceptional election called by the country's prime minister, who remained steadfast in his refusal to consider independence for the prosperous region.

Madrid - 23 December 2017

1. Wide of Santiago Bernabeu stadium before match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona

2. Cutaway of Real Madrid and Spanish flags

3. Various of Real Madrid Ultrasur supporters chanting with flares in the street before the match

4. Cutaway of a scarf reading (Spanish): "Real Madrid - Barcelona, Santiago Bernabeu, 23rd December"

5. Various of Real Madrid supporters singing while holding scarves and flags

6. Policeman on horseback in front of fans

7. Barcelona team bus arriving

8. Fans taking photos on mobile phones

9. Barcelona team bus arriving

10. Real Madrid team bus arriving

11. Real Madrid players getting off the Real Madrid bus

12. Fans waiting for the arrival of the teams outside the stadium

13. Real Madrid players Isco and Luca Modric getting off the bus

14. Arrival of the FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu

15. Barcelona supporter singing while holding Barcelona scarves

16. Arrival of former Barcelona coach Louis Van Gaal

17. Cutaway of a banner that shows a caricature of (Spanish Prime Minister) Rajoy and (ousted Catalan leader) Puigdemont reading (Spanish) "They separate us and make us fight like bulls"

18. Small boy on shoulders of supporter

19. Police on horseback near supporters

Street clashes erupted on Thursday night in central Madrid over the death of a 35-year-old African vendor who witnesses said died trying to escape from police cracking down on illegal street sales.

Hundreds of protesters burned plastic trash bins, blocking narrow streets in the Lavapies neighbourhood of the Spanish capital.

An Associated Press reporter saw protesters throw stones at dozens of riot police officers. Rioters also set fire to the facade of a bank branch and broke glass partitions at a bus stop.

Madrid's emergency service said 16 police officers and four civilians were treated for minor injuries.

Residents on Friday expressed dismay over the violence and destruction of property and Cheikh Ndiaye, a spokesman for the Senegalese community in Madrid, said protests had been infiltrated by extremist groups who were responsible for the damage.

The Spanish news agency Europa Press quoted police as saying the vendor died of cardiorespiratory arrest while running from officers.

"I regret very much the death of a citizen in Lavapies," Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena tweeted, adding that the municipal government would "investigate thoroughly what happened and act accordingly."

One resident, who gave his name only as Marcos, told AP that earlier in the day he saw police on foot and on motorbikes pursuing a group of African street vendors. He said the chase began in Madrid's central Puerta del Sol square and headed toward the Lavapies neighbourhood.

Madrid - 16 March 2018

1. Various exteriors of branch of La Caixa bank which was burnt and looted

2. Municipal workers repair damaged play area

3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Lorenzo Real, 58, Madrid resident:

"This is savagery, I really don't understand where all of this is coming from. It is savagery, it is all destroyed."

4. Burnt municipal bicycles

5. Smashed windows of estate agency

6. Various of workers repair lottery stall

7. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Miriam Garcia, 29, shop assistant:

"We are all talking about it, no one agrees with all any of this. The issue of immigration in the end always comes out."

8. Various of a small tribute to the deceased man

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Edward (No surname given), web designer from Ghana:

"Generally the neighbours are quite supportive of the immigrants who live here and last night might change things but even in the heat of the moment I was with a Senegalese guy and we saw an elderly women walking down the street and he went out of his way to accompany her home. There was a sensation that its going to make things worse if it gets out of control."

10. Members of the Sub-Saharan community in square

11. Man with head in hands

12. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Cheikh Ndiaye, Spokesman for Senegalese community:

"We want to say very clearly that the damage they are blaming the Senegalese for, the Senegalese are not breaking things, or stealing, they are not hurting anyone. In yesterday's protest they were infiltrators, extremist groups who have burnt things. We have tried to stop them but when there is violence and trouble there are things that are unavoidable."

13. People in square

Madrid - 15 March 2018

14. STILL: A protester throws a rubbish bin at a burning barricade in Lavapies, a neighbourhood of Madrid

15. STILL: Spanish National Police officers take positions during clashes with demonstrators in Lavapies

16. STILL: A man injured lies on the ground during the clashes with Spanish National Police

17. STILL: Spanish National Police officers take positions next to a burning barricade during clashes with demonstrators

18. STILL: Spanish National Police officers take positions during clashes with demonstrators

Ten hours into a tense plenary session, Catalan lawmakers are still holding a heated debate on a controversial bill that lays the groundwork for an October 1 referendum on independence from Spain.

The parliament chair on Wednesday rejected complaints by opposition parties about alleged procedural flaws.

Spain's central authorities in Madrid have already asked the country's constitutional court to punish members of the regional parliament for allowing the vote, and have vowed to strike down the "referendum law" for the northeastern region as soon as it's passed. That is expected later Wednesday.

On the streets of Madrid people seemed to think Wednesday's developments would be futile - with many saying they don't think Catalonia will get independence, while others said if there was a referendum all Spaniards should get to vote.

The political crisis comes after years of defiance by pro-independence supporters in Catalonia and amid criticism of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's conservative government in Madrid for letting the situation come to this.

Madrid - 6 September 2017

1. Wide of people and cars in Colon square in Madrid

2. Cutaway of Spanish flag

3. Various of people in the streets of Madrid

4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Emilio, retired:

"What's going on in Catalonia is a disaster that should had been stopped long time ago. A solution? I just see one: the force of the law or any other kind of force. If not, these people (pro-independence) won't turn back. Everybody knew about this long time ago."

5. Wide of a news stand in Colon square

6. Cutaway of a banner (French) "Spain"

7. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Rocio Arcos, Economic analyst:

"I think nothing is going to happen. The Basque Country has tried to get the independence for many years but they have not gotten anything except for economical issues. I do not think Catalonia (will get independence)."

8. Various screen shots of Spanish newspaper websites

9. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Jeronimo Garrett, consultant:

"If they wanted (a referendum) to be real they should ask the whole of Spain and not just a part of it. Every Spaniard must be asked about Catalonia's independence. If you just ask to a part of the population it has not legal support."

10. Various of people in the street

11. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Maria Angeles, social worker:

"With just one word, I think it's superfluous. There are so many positive, creative things to do for humanity. Please, let's put the attention on really necessary and important issues."

12. Cutaway of Madrid tourist bus banner (Spanish) "Madrid city tour. Historical Madrid"

13. Various of people and cars in Madrid streets

Madrid citizens enjoying the city's Christmas fair in the centrally located Plaza Mayor were cautious about the possible results of Thursday's regional elections in Catalonia.

Juan Carlos, a teacher, said that he was sure the pro-independence parties would do well and that the Spanish government should have reacted earlier to the independence challenge.

However Carlos Mayan, a businessman from Madrid, hoped for a pro-Spanish coaltion.

The Catalan elections were called after the Madrid central government took over the running of the Catalan region after its parliament called for unilateral independence from Spain.

Madrid - 21 December 2017

1. Wide of Plaza Mayor in central Madrid

2. Various of Christmas fair in square

3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Juan Carlos, 46, teacher from Madrid:

"I think that the independence parties are going to win and with more votes. I think that all that has happened has made the independence parties win more; after the use of Article 155 and all the government has done. And it should have done everything a lot earlier because all this started along time ago. So I think all this has given more strength to the independence movement and they are going to end up winning."

4. Robotic figures for Christmas nativity scene

5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Carlos Mayans, 57, businessman from Madrid:

"I hope that we get a coalition of pro-Spanish constitution parties that works and is really democratic and not pro-independence. That is my hope."

6. Christmas hats on sale

7. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Arantza, 57, cleaner from Madrid:

"I think that the pro-independence parties are going to get a huge quantity of votes but I don't think that they are going to win. What I think is that logically the economic situation and the movement of businesses that have left Catalonia will make people think twice."

8. Mistletoe and Christmas wreaths

Spanish citizens in Madrid on Friday expressed their disappointment at the Catalan parliament's vote to declare independence.

Spain's Constitutional Court says judges will rule in the next few days on the legality of the vote.

A statement from the country's top court says it has accepted an appeal by Catalan lawmakers opposing separatists' move to vote on seceding from Spain.

The vote, which was boycotted by opposition lawmakers, won 70-10 in the 135-seat Catalan parliament Friday.

Madrid - 27 October 2017

1. Wide view of street in Madrid

2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Claudia Guerra, 24-years-old, studying to become a public servant, Canary Islands (Spain):

"I don't really know what they (the Catalans) want, I don't know why they broke the law, I really don't know why they have declared independence if they really know that they're not going to be able to become independent. What I think is that they want to make noise as if this was a demonstration, to encourage people to rally in the streets… I don't know."

3. Spanish flags over balconies

4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Claudia Guerra, 24-years-old, studying to become a public servant, Canary Islands (Spain):

"I feel offended because I see that the motives for them to go independent are economic ones, as far as I know, because I don't know that much, but I don't see any historical foundation (for their claims). What I really see are things like 'Spain steals us' (one of the secessionist slogans in the past) and I feel offended because I think it's not true."

5. Wide of street with Spanish flags

6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) María (didn't say surname), 85-years-old, pensioner, Madrid:

"I don't like at all what's happening in Catalonia. One would think that things can be sorted off through dialogue rather than firing shots at each other. I don't know. Both sides need to reach an understanding."

7. Close of Spanish flags

8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Hernan (didn't say surname), 34-years-old, architect, Madrid:

"I really feel sad that this is getting so polarized, both sides are trying to polarize, and somehow this tends to provoke confrontation within society itself. I don't like it. I feel sad."

9. Mid of street in Madrid

10. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Hernan (didn't say surname), 34-years-old, architect, Madrid:

"I don't think they (Catalan secessionists) have legitimacy with less than 50 percent (of support) to declare independence. That would provoke a rupture within Catalan society. I don't really know if Article 155 (of the Constitution) is the right answer. I don't really know what other measures can be taken."

11. Wide view of street

Madrid's Muslim community have spoken out against the deadly attacks in Barcelona and asked people to be aware of the increasing cases of Islamophobia.

During prayers at Madrid Central Mosque on Friday, Imam Housam Khoja condemned last week's attacks in Barcelona saying that "those who carry out this kind of act do not represent either Islam or Muslims".

The director of the Islamic Cultural Centre, Sami El Mushtawi, asked for tolerance and noted particular attacks against members of the Muslim community.

In the days following the extremist attacks, several Muslims and mosques have suffered attacks in Madrid, Granada and elsewhere.

Local resident Adelhak Fethi said that at times of heightened tensions they often find graffiti on the door of the mosque.

According to the Central Mosque, there are just under two million Muslims living in Spain.

Madrid - 25 August 2017

1. Various exteriors of Madrid Central Mosque and Muslim worshippers arriving

2. Various of people inside mosque praying and reading Koran

3. Mosque imam, Housam Khoja, arriving

4. Various of worshippers during Friday prayers

5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Housam Khoja, Imam of Madrid Central Mosque (on condemning Barcelona attacks):

''Islam condemns this terror acts and absolutely rejects them. Muslims agree and we repeat with only one voice our rejection of terrorism and those who carry out this kind of act do not represent either Islam or Muslims. Muslims, we are part of this society and when somebody commits a terrible act like the one which happened in Barcelona, he also attempts it against us."

6. Director of Cultural Centre of Madrid Central Mosque Sami El Mushtawi at news conference

7. Close of a banner reading (Spanish/Arabic) "Allah is the only God and Mohammad is his prophet"

8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Sami El Mushtawi, director of Cultural Centre of Madrid's Mosque:

"We also want to avoid Islamophobia against us. We have recently seen attacks on people. Particularly, a Muslim sister, a woman of 38 who was just walking down the street was attacked. We also condemn that. It's an unnecessary violence. She is another citizen like anyone else, she is a local resident in the country. We do not want it (that violence) to spread."

9. Wide of people leaving Madrid's mosque

10. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Adelhak Fethi, local resident:

"I have been living here (in Spain) for the last 27 years and when things like this happen we always... here, in the main door of the mosque there have been paintings. There are people who take advantage of the circumstances going against us, against the immigrants and not only against the Muslim community."

11. Various exteriors of mosque

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Madrid, 1 July 2017

1. Various top shots of World Gay Pride parade

2. Participants having their photo taken

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Dan (last name not given), parade participant from Israel:

"It's my first time in Madrid and first time at pride in Madrid."

(Q: "Have you been enjoying yourself?")

Dan: "It is amazing, it's amazing. It could not be better."

4. Wide shot Participants from Venezuela

5.Wide shot traffic light signals

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Kelly (last name not given), participant from the USA:

"I love Madrid, I do. I love Madrid."

(Q: "Do you feel safe in this parade?")

Kelly: "Always. I have never had any doubts and I have never felt unsafe here."

7. Wide top shot of parade

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Kim (last name not given), participant from Holland:

"Yeah, yeah. It's a great party. I am enjoying myself and having great fun, so yeah."

9. Close of heart-shaped balloon with sign reading (English): "Respect=freedom"

10. Wide of Madrid City Hall

++NIGHT SHOTS+

11. Various of pride parade, participants on floats

STORYLINE:

THOUSANDS TAKE PART IN GAY PRIDE PARADE IN MADRID

Hundreds of thousands of people marched on Saturday (01 JULY 2017) in a global gay pride demonstration in Madrid under tight security, and a parade of 52 floats took the festivities through the Spanish capital and into the night.

The rally was led by all of Spain's major political parties, both left and right, who carried a large banner that read "For LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex) Rights All Over the World."

Behind them came a slow moving mass of people decked out in rainbow flags and colorful outfits, dancing to music under the southern European sun.

The march included several groups from other countries, including the United States and Britain, as well as groups ranging from rural lesbians to gay and lesbian police officers.

The massive outdoor gathering was the highlight of the 10-day World Pride 2017 festival, which concludes on Sunday (02 JULY 2017).

While Spanish police said they had no indications of any planned attacks by extremist groups, authorities reduced the traffic flow in Madrid on Saturday, banned heavy trucks and deployed 3,500 police in the city centre.

Spain has become one of the most progressive countries for gay rights.

It was ahead of most countries in legalising same-sex marriages and adoptions in 2005.

Parliament is planning a new law to ensure that all government offices remove barriers to ensure LGBT equality.

Venezuelans and their supporters on Wednesday gathered in Madrid to rally against the government of Nicolas Maduro and in support of an opposition politician who has proclaimed himself the interim president of the country.

Juan Guaido declared himself interim leader of Venezuela on Wednesday before thousands of demonstrators cheering in support.

Wednesday's protests were staged in many provincial capitals across Spain, with major rallies in Tenerife, Barcelona and Madrid, to mirror those marches in the streets of Venezuela.

Around 7,000 protesters - according to organisers - gathered in the central Puerta del Sol square of the Spanish capital, where a significant Venezuelan community has grown in recent years with people fleeing persecution or poverty at home.

Anthony Guerrero, a Madrid resident of three years, said he wished for Maduro to be sent to prison, and for Guaido to be the new leader of his home country.

Protesters cheered when exiled members of the Venezuelan opposition announced from the stage that the governments of the United States, Brazil and others had recognised the interim leadership of Guaido, who is also president of Venezuela's opposition-led National Assembly.

Protesters have called on Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to also endorse Guaido.

Madrid - 23 January 2019

++NIGHT SHOTS++

1. Venezuelans living in Madrid at Puerta del Sol square

2. Various of Venezuelans holding banners reading (Spanish) "Freedom" and "Peace, Justice, Democracy in Venezuela"

3. People with banners reading (Spanish) "(President Nicolas) Maduro get out!" and "Help Venezuela! SOS Venezuela"

4. Wide of hundreds of people gathered

5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Erica Barroso, Venezuelan who has been living in Madrid for two years:

"The scent of freedom, the scent of hope. We feel a big emotion, honestly. We are happy that in Venezuela they are reaching what everybody wants because although we live here, our heart is over there (in Venezuela)."

6. Venezuelan flags

7. Woman wearing Venezuelan cap

8. People at Puerta del Sol cheering

9. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Anthony Guerrero, Venezuelan who has been living in Madrid for three years:

"I feel very happy about what is happening in my country, and I hope that Maduro leaves and goes to prison, and I support our president (Juan) Guaido (the head of the opposition-controlled congress, who has declared himself interim president and called elections). Very happy."

10. People at square clapping

11. People using mobile phones to film traditional Venezuelan songs

12. People at square

13. People singing and filming with mobile phones

CROWDS PACK MADRID STREETS FOR COLORFUL EPIPHANY PARADE

Crowds took to the streets of Madrid on Friday evening to watch Three Kings parade, marking the eve of Epiphany

This year, amid heavy rain, 31 floats participated in the colourful parade on the Christian holiday.

The processions are held each January 5 to celebrate the story of the Three Kings - Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar - believed to have followed a star to arrive at a manger in Bethlehem and offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn Jesus.

Madrid - 5 January 2018

1. Various of King Melchior float headlining the Three Kings parade on eve of Epiphany

2. Various of King Caspar float

3. Various of King Balthasar float

4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Ana Maria Pastor, 31, supermarket clerk:

"It's the first time we have come to Madrid. It's the first time we have come to Madrid's parade. It's been three hours since we are here already frozen, but we are having a lot of fun. Just a few candies, eeehh! But we are enjoying it a lot. It's very beautiful."

5. King Caspar float pages giving out sweets

6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Ignacio Yague, 17, student:

"My parents have been bringing me and my brothers here since I was four years old and that first year was incredible. I have come every year since then. Now that I have some experience I can compare one parade to other, and the truth is that this year's has been very good. And yes, even though I am 17 years old, I like to keep on coming, the family tradition keeps going. And it's a stupid of those who say that I am too old to come."

7. Crowd with umbrellas in anticipation of heavy rain

8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Carmela Mujica, 12, student:

"I liked the horses because I love animals and they are very beautiful. I am 12 years old and we have been coming to see the parade all my life.

(Reporter question: What have you asked the Magic Kings?)

"I have asked them for my first mobile phone." (laughing)

9. Zoom in from wide of a float to medium of a trapeze artist

10. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Javier, 11, student:

"I liked the Clan TVE float. King Melchior is my favourite king and I have asked him for sports sneakers."

(Reporter question: For playing what?)

"Football."

(Reporter question: Which is your favourite team, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid?)

"Atletico!" (laughing)

11. Bubbles in the air

12. Various of parade

Dozens of young unionists demonstrated in Colon square in Madrid on Thursday in support of young Catalans who want to remain united with Spain.

About 40 percent of Catalonia's electorate of 5.5 million voted in the divisive referendum marred by violence when police moved in to close polling stations and confiscate ballot boxes.

As expected, the "Yes" side scored a landslide victory.

Most of those who want Catalonia to remain in Spain ignored the referendum.

Catalan authorities and the Spanish central government are at odds over the legitimacy of the vote.

Spain's 1978 Constitution bars any attempt to secede and rules that all Spanish nationals must have a say in the country's sovereignty.

Madrid - 5 October 2017

++NIGHT SHOTS++

1. Various of young unionists in Colon square in Madrid shouting (Spanish): "Stand up if you are Spanish"

2. Mid of young unionist waving Spanish flag while shouting (Spanish): "I am a Spaniard"

3. Girl holding a banner that reads (Spanish): "You are not alone"

4. Wide of young unionist shouting and jumping while waving Spanish flag

5. Close of a man with a banner on his head in the colours of the Spanish flag shouting (Spanish): "You are not alone"

6. Spanish flag

7. Mid of speech of the President of Espana Generosa (Generous Spain) association

8. Cutaway of a banner calling for a gathering of pro-Spain Unity on Saturday (October 7)

9. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Santiago Ribas, President of Espana Generosa association:

"If there was a little more generosity, a lot of problems in Spain would be over. We are here to claim that many Spaniards are generously getting out on the streets in Catalonia to say that they are Spanish, despite what they are suffering, insults and slander. We have come to tell them that they are not alone, that we are with them, and that we will always be here."

10. Various of young unionists in Colon square in Madrid

11. Mid of young unionist girls holding banners that read (Spanish): "You are not alone"

12. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Aitana Molina, 23 years old, student

"No, no, I do not understand (independence claims) but I respect it. I mean, I can understand those who feel more Catalan than Spanish, ok, that's ok, or even if they disagree with the Spanish government. But I do not understand why they want to get away and build a new state by their own."

13. Wide of young unionist jumping

14. Mid of young unionist shouting in Spanish "This is the young Spain"

15. Spanish flag in Colon square in Madrid

16. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Ignacio Alvarez, 25 years old, telecommunications student

"(To solve this problematic situation) Spanish government should take over Catalan regional government's powers because they are abusing the education competency, they are teaching lies in the (Catalans) schools. Then, the other day, last Sunday, we saw how the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police force) were driven not to act because of a direct command from the Catalan regional government."

++DAY SHOTS++

17. Wide of Spanish army band playing in front of the headquarters in Madrid

18. Spanish flags on buildings in Madrid

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Madrid - 1 October 2017

1. Police making a line to separate protesters

2. Protester shouting

3. Hand holding two banners, reading (Spanish): "What if tomorrow you are not allowed to vote?" and "If voting is illegal, it's time to change the law"

4. Protesters holding banner and chanting

5. Protesters chanting: (Spanish) "Here, we are the anti-fascist"

6. Policemen getting out of police vans

7. Various of policemen with riot gear

8. Wide of policemen advancing among protesters in Sol Square

9. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Carlos Sanchez Mato, Councilor for Economy and Finance of Madrid's city hall:

"Of course, the solution is to make an agreed independence vote with legal and democratic guarantees. That will only happen if another party, different to the (ruling) Popular Party, is governing. They only want to take electoral advantage of this situation."

10. Men holding banner and chanting: (Spanish) "It's a dictatorship"

11. Banners, reading: (Spanish) "There is no democracy if there is no chance to decide"

12. Wide of 25-S organisation supporters holding banner and chanting

13. Two 25-S organisation supporters chanting: (Spanish) "Democracy"

14. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Luis Ocampo, 25-S organisation spokesperson:

"The main goal of the demonstration is to defend the democracy and liberties not only in Catalonia but also here in Madrid. (The Spanish government) has tried to block this peaceful gathering."

15. Protesters shouting: (Spanish) "Madrid supports Catalan people"

16. Banner, reading: (Spanish/English) "I do not hit my students when they break the law"

17. Wide of protesters carrying Catalan and other flags

18. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Augusto (last name not given), protester:

"I do not rely on the future. We are watching it right now, here in Madrid, instead of building bridges, people try to break them, they try to confront other people at the same time, as they regroup with the people that think the same as them. They look for radical positions instead of looking for the connection points."

++NIGHT SHOTS++

19. Protesters facing policemen

20. Girl holding banner and chanting: (Spanish) "Viva working class battle"

21. Close of protester

22. Tilt down from protesters chanting, one in football club Barcelona T-shirt, to Catalan flag on the ground

23. Protesters, some holding Basque country flag and some holding banner, reading: (Spanish) "Freedom without violence"

24. Wide of protesters

STORYLINE:

Thousands of people were demonstrating on Sunday night in Madrid's Sol Square in support of the referendum in the northeastern Spanish region of Catalonia.

The 25-S organisation called Madrid's citizens to express their rejection of security forces' actions in Catalonia and solidarity with the Catalan people.

There were a few clashes between protesters and the Spanish national police.

At least one person was detained.

At least 844 people and 33 police were injured in Catalonia as Spanish police tried to halt the vote that was suspended by Spain's Constitutional Court.

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Hundreds of thousands of people marched on Saturday in a global gay pride demonstration in Madrid under tight security, and a parade of 52 floats took the festivities through the Spanish capital and into the night.

The rally was led by all of Spain's major political parties, both left and right, who carried a large banner that read "For LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex) Rights All Over the World."

Behind them came a slow-moving mass of people decked out in rainbow flags and colourful outfits, dancing to music under the southern European sun.

The march included several groups from other countries, including the United States and Britain, as well as groups ranging from rural lesbians to gay and lesbian police officers.

The massive outdoor gathering was the highlight of the 10-day World Pride 2017 festival, which concludes on Sunday.

While Spanish police said they had no indications of any planned attacks by extremist groups, authorities reduced the traffic flow in Madrid on Saturday, banned heavy trucks and deployed 3,500 police in the city centre.

Spain has become one of the most progressive countries for gay rights.

It was ahead of most countries in legalising same-sex marriages and adoptions in 2005.

Parliament is planning a new law to ensure that all government offices remove barriers to ensure LGBT equality.

Madrid - 1 July 2017

1. Various top shots of World Gay Pride parade

2. Participants having their photo taken

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Dan (last name not given), parade participant from Israel:

"It's my first time in Madrid and first time at pride in Madrid."

(Q: "Have you been enjoying yourself?")

Dan: "It is amazing, it's amazing. It could not be better."

4. Participants from Venezuela

5. Traffic light signals

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Kelly (last name not given), participant from the USA:

"I love Madrid, I do. I love Madrid."

(Q:"Do you feel safe in this parade?")

Kelly: "Always. I have never had any doubts and I have never felt unsafe here."

7. Wide top shot of parade

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Kim (last name not given), participant from Holland:

"Yeah, yeah. It's a great party. I am enjoying myself and having great fun, so yeah."

9. Close of heart-shaped balloon with sign reading (English): "Respect=freedom"

10. Wide of Madrid City Hall

++NIGHT SHOTS+

11. Various of pride parade, participants on floats

Tottenham and Liverpool FC fans are already gathered in Madrid ready for today's Champions League final at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

More than 30,000 English fans are expected to travel to watch the final at the 68,000-capacity Metropolitano, which is home to Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool and Tottenham were each allocated nearly 17,000 tickets for their fans, but Spanish authorities expect many thousands more will have made the trip without tickets or pre-arranged lodging, heightening the possibility of fan trouble around the city.

Spain will deploy unprecedented security measures for Saturday's "high risk" Champions League final in Madrid.

Spanish authorities said the police operation prepared for the final between the two English teams will be the biggest ever for a sporting event in the Spanish capital.

The measures will surpass those put in place for last year's Copa Libertadores final between Argentine rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors, a match that was also declared "high risk" by authorities.

More than 4,700 security personnel will be involved in the operation, which for the first time will include the use of drones to monitor fan activity.

Heavy vehicles will be kept away from the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on the day of the final, and fans will undergo extensive security checks to be able to get near the venue.

Officials said Spain is keeping the country's terror alert at Level 4, indicating high risk.

It has been at that stage of alert since 2015.

Madrid last hosted the Champions League final in 2010, when Inter Milan defeated Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Madrid - 1 June 2019

1. Various of Liverpool FC fans celebrating in Felipe II square in Madrid

2. Liverpool fan flag reads (English) "We've conquered all Europe. We are never gonna stop"

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Mark Skone, Liverpool FC fan:

"Since I understood the colour red, I have been a Liverpool fan. Yes, I have been coming to watching Liverpool for many years now, and I expect a good game and a good win."

4. Liverpool FC fans singing

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Frank O'Leary, Liverpool FC fan:

"I came out here, I flew out on my own, I don't have a ticket, I just came to be with all the beautiful Red fans and sing my heart out and watch the game in the bars later."

6. Various of Spanish National police checking bags at both entrances of Champions League fans zone

7. Tottenham fans posing in front of UK flag

8. Tottenham women fans chanting in the fan zone in Colon square in Madrid

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Susan Zonneveld, Tottenham fan:

"Why are we here? Because it's one of the biggest days of our lives. We have been following Spurs for more than fifty years, we have been waiting for this. We really hope to win. Not sure we expect to win, but we hope to win."

10. Various of Tottenham fans chanting in fans zone

11. Tottenham flag

12. Spurs fans

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Alan Freeman, Tottenham fan:

"Oh, yeah, it's not going to be easy, but I take us to win by one goal. I think really anybody can score: Kane, Erikson, Son..."

14. Tottenham fans to Spanish flag in Colon square

Madrid turned into Buenos Aires for a night on Sunday, with tens of thousands of Argentine fans transforming Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu into a stadium of their own as River Plate beat Boca Juniors 3-1 in extra time.

River fans were the only ones celebrating in the end, both at home and in Spain, after the historic victory over fierce rival Boca in the twice-suspended final of the Copa Libertadores.

Thousands of supporters in red and white - River's team colours - were celebrating in Madrid's Puerta del Sol, while fans who had remained in Buenos Aires enjoyed a fireworks display by the capital's Obelisk.

River came from behind to beat Boca in the second leg after extra time to win South America's equivalent of the Champions League 5-3 on aggregate.

One of the most anticipated matches in South American fooball finally came to a conclusion, nearly a month after the first leg was played in Argentina.

The final capped one of the most embarrassing chapters in South American football, which saw its leaders unable to stage the historic match on the continent.

The second leg had to be played in the Spanish capital after it was marred by fan violence in Buenos Aires two weeks ago, when Boca players were injured before the game after River fans attacked the team bus with rocks, bottles and wood.

Madrid, Spain - 9 December 2010

++NIGHT SHOTS++

1. Various top shots of Madrid's Puerta del Sol square and River Plate football supporters celebrating team's Libertadores Cup win

2. Various of River fans celebrating on Madrid's streets

3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Juan (no last name given), River Plate supporter:

"It is unique and historical. We are all very happy and for those who were frightened they can see that actually we are very peaceful. This is a party that should have happened in Buenos Aires, but well, in the end, it has happened here in Madrid. I'm very happy."

4. Mid of River supporters with drums and team flags

5. River supporters with red-and-white umbrellas, the team colours

6. Supporters jumping up and down

7. Various football fans who have attended the game exiting Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium  

8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Eddie Valance, Boca Juniors supporter:

"We leave with great bitterness, but I am only going to say one thing. We are going to continue having Boca in the blood, in our hearts. For us the Boca fans this match doesn't change anything. Until we die we are going to follow Boca everywhere."

9. Football supporters leaving stadium

10. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Tito (no last name given), Boca Juniors supporter:

"It's very sad but we can't make drama out of it. We lost, we lost a very important final. I came a long way from Argentina, but what can one do."

11. Boca supporters leaving stadium

Buenos Aires, Argentina - 9 December 2010

++NIGHT SHOTS++

12. Fireworks at Obelisk in downtown Buenos Aires and River supporters celebrating

13. Various of thousands of supporters celebrating

14. Supporters at foot of Obelisk

15. Wide of Obelisk and supporters celebrating

Privately hired cars were attacked in Madrid on Thursday during a protest by taxi drivers over the regulations of online taxi services such as Cabify and Uber.

Police were at the scene to try and disperse angry taxi drivers who were throwing eggs and stones at the VTC vehicles.

The protest march came during a 24 hour stoppage by 30 percent of taxi unions and associations which left Madrid empty of working taxis.

Spanish taxi drivers complain that an agreement that there would only be one VTC vehicle to every 30 taxis has not been honoured.

Madrid - 27 July 2017

1. Protesters throwing eggs and other items at private taxis during a strike in Madrid

2. Police with batons running to try and push back protesters

3. Various of protesters chanting

4. Car with smashed windscreen

5. Protesters chanting

6. Various of taxi drivers on strike, driving their vehicles slowly

7 .Close of protest sign reading (Spanish) "Taxi drivers demand that the law is observed. No more VTC." (VTC is a transport service using a car with a driver - usually available through platforms Uber or Cabify)

8. Wide of protesters walking down a main road led by a taxi

9. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) David Gutierrez, Madrid taxi driver:

"Right now, there is one VTC to every 6 taxis. There are no rules. Here in Madrid there are a lot of them (VTC). A lot of the time in Madrid, taxis are not earning. At night, taxis are not making money. Instead of seeing the green lights of taxis, you see stickers - VTC stickers (on cars). You see them more than taxis. It is a real shame."

10. Various of protesters marching through the city

Venezuelans in Madrid took to the streets of the Spanish capital on Wednesday to show their support for their country's opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who is aiming to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro.

The Venezuelan crisis resonates strongly in Spain, where the issue divides parties across the political spectrum.

Thousands of Venezuelans have migrated to Spain in recent years or are seeking asylum in the country, including prominent members of the opposition and former officials who worked closely with late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Meanwhile, more than 177,000 Spaniards live in Venezuela.

All but four EU members endorsed the initial, Europe-wide call in February to back opposition leader Juan Guaidó when he appointed himself interim president.

The four who did not join the other EU members were Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Slovakia.

Spain, which has been credited for setting the EU's line on Venezuela, has walked a fine line until now.

Although the Spanish centre-left government was the first among European peers to back Guaidó and recognise one of his aides as the "special envoy of the interim president" in Madrid, it fell short of using the term "ambassador."

That allowed Spain to maintain diplomatic ties with Maduro's administration, keeping the official Venezuelan Embassy in Madrid open.

Madrid - 1 May 2019

1. Demonstration in Colon Square against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and in support of opposition leader Juan Guaidó

2. Venezuelan supporters holding banners, one reads (Spanish) "No more dictatorship, repression, victims", another (Spanish) "Social justice in Venezuela", another (Spanish) "Maduro destroys Venezuela"

3. Banner reading (Spanish) "Justice"

4. Supporters of Juan Guaidó

5. Woman wearing Venezuelan flag

6. Supporters clapping

7. Various of speeches given by Antonio Ledezma, ex-mayor of Caracas

8. Various of supporters singing Venezuela's national anthem

9. Set up of demonstrator Valeria Vargas singing Venezuela's anthem

10. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Valeria Vargas, Venezuelan demonstrator, works in a technology company in Madrid:

"The fact that Guaidó shows himself and speaks, the liberation of Leopoldo (López) has been very important, all this has been amazing for all the Venezuelans and also the international support has been amazing as well."

11. Venezuelans singing anthem

12. Venezuelans taking a picture with the flag

13. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Pedro Mendoza, Venezuelan demonstrator, has lived in Madrid for 18 months:

"What all the Venezuelans want is that this dictatorship falls, that the usurpation that is happening in Venezuela finishes."

14. Venezuelan flag waving

Spanish police on Monday cleared away taxis that blocked a main avenue in the capital of Madrid, the latest action in a week-long standoff with authorities over the growth of app-based ride-hailing services that cab drivers say threaten their livelihood.

Taxi drivers in the capital moved their protest over the weekend from the outskirts to Castellana Avenue, in Madrid's central north-south axis.

Traffic was at a standstill during the morning commute, until police unblocked the main thoroughfare.

The drivers want the regional government in Madrid to impose tighter regulations for rides hailed through apps like Uber and Cabify.

They demand similar steps like those announced for Barcelona, where local authorities can now modify regulations to require app-based rides to be hired up to one hour in advance.

Uber and Cabify have reacted by threatening to drop their operations in Spain's second-largest city, where they say 3,500 jobs would be at risk.

Self-employed drivers working for the two platforms also occupied parts of Barcelona's main thoroughfares on Monday to urge the regional Catalan government to halt the new regulations.

Madrid - 28 January 2019

1. Various of riot police at taxi drivers' protest

2. Wide of a taxi driver atop a vehicle yelling to protesters

3. Mid of riot police walking toward protesters

4. Wide of a fire in a drum

5. Various of riot police and protesters

6. Various of protesters outside the PP (People's Party) Madrid regional government headquarters

Striking Spanish taxi drivers on Wednesday blocked access to a trade exhibition centre in Madrid.

Delegates attending a major tourism fair struggled to reach the conference venue.

Riot police have been deployed as the drivers, many wearing the yellow traffic safety vests used by protesters in neighbouring France, set up burning barricades and blocked access routes.

The drivers are demanding more regulations for app-based ride-hailing services.

They want regional authorities in Madrid to find a solution like the one offered on Tuesday in Barcelona that would force users of apps like Uber and Cabify to contract rides one hour in advance.

The web-based companies are threatening to cease operations in Barcelona, while taxi drivers' unions are discussing on Wednesday whether to accept the terms.

Previous protests have forced regulatory changes, but Spanish cab drivers consider those insufficient.

Madrid - 23 January 2019

1. Taxi drivers holding lit flares at protest

2. Various of police officers watching protesters standing next to burning barricade

3. Various of striking taxi drivers holding banner reading (Spanish) "The Madrid Taxi service should be legal"

4. People arriving for International Tourism Trade Fair called Fitur

5. Madrid conference centre where Fitur is taking place

6. Various of people arriving

7. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Joaquin Camacho, Mayor of Loja:

"We arrived using the metro service, they have added extra services as a result of the event. We are very happy to promote our town. We hope that this (the protest) doesn't affect our tourism and the good name of this event, so I really hope these demands don't affect this event."

8. People leaving metro station

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Nathali (no surname provided), delegate from Mexico:

"It was very hard from me to get here and from the airport. So, you come all the way from Mexico and this is what you get."

10. Taxis parked outside trade fair venue