There was an air of hopeful anticipation on the streets of Madrid on Saturday morning, as residents looked ahead to the naming of the host city for the 2020 Olympic games.

Jacques Rogge, the International Olympic Committee President, was due to announce the winning bid on Saturday evening in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at 1730 local time - equivalent to 2230 local time in Madrid (2030 GMT).

Madrid was up against bids from Tokyo and Istanbul.

If Madrid is selected, works on the Olympic Stadium for Madrid 2020, which is also set to be the future stadium of local football club Atletico Madrid, are set to accelerate.

In the meantime on Saturday, preparations were underway for a large public event at La Puerta de Alcala, a monument in the centre of the Spanish capital, to accompany the announcement from Buenos Aires.

Picking the city with the least risks shapes up as the challenge for the IOC.

Tokyo has been seen as a slight favourite to win the 2020 games, but its status has been put into question by concerns over the leak of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima plant.

Madrid, once counted out because of Spain's financial troubles, has generated the most recent buzz and momentum and could be poised for an upset win.

Istanbul, dogged by the war in neighbouring Syria and possible Western military strikes against Bashar Assad's regime, looks like the outsider.

London bookmakers have been taking a rush of bets on Madrid, whose odds have been slashed from 4-1 a week ago to 5-4.

Tokyo remains the betting favourite, though its odds have shortened to 5-6. Istanbul is listed at 6-1.

Madrid resident Charo Garcia confessed that she could not anticipate the outcome of the contest.

"The people of the International Olympic Committee are very weird, so I don't know. Maybe we have had too much excitement, but I think it's our time," she said.

Raquel Meren, a teacher from Venezuela was hopeful Madrid would be victorious, saying: "I like this city and this country and I think they deserve it."

But local resident Cesar Calvo sounded a note of caution, commenting: "I hope Madrid wins, but we have to wait because this costs money."

Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo were all set to make 45-minute presentations in Buenos Aires on Saturday morning ahead of the vote later in the day by the International Olympic Committee.

The prime ministers of all three countries were set to lead the delegations.

Shinzo Abe of Japan, Mariano Rajoy of Spain and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey all flew to Buenos Aires straight from the G20 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.

1. Wide of Olympic Stadium "La Peineta" under construction

2. Close of Metro Station "Estadio Olimpico"

3. Various of Olympic Stadium "La Peineta" under construction

4. Wide of Madrid's Puerta de Alcala and workers preparing for evening Olympic event

5. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Charo Garcia, 62, local resident:

"I don't know who will win. The people of the International Olympic Committee are very weird, so I don't know. Maybe we have had too much excitement, but I think it's our time."

6. Various of workers preparing for evening Olympic event

7. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Raquel Meren, 40, teacher from Venezuela:

"I would like Spain to be host of the Olympics, because my parents are Spanish and I have the roots, and because I like this city and this country and I think they deserve it."

8. Various of workers preparing for evening Olympic event

9. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Cesar Calvo, 76, local resident:

"I want Madrid to win, and I hope Madrid wins, but we have to wait because this costs money. Imagine that in the end we don't win. I hope we win, but ..."

10. Mid of workers preparing for evening Olympic event

11. Men running past event venue

SHOTLIST

1. Wide exterior of reception for Olympic Candidate Cities presentation

2. Pan of interior; Madrid Olympic bid logo

3. Wide of naming ceremony

4. Close up Madrid City logo

5. Cutaway photographers

6. Wide guests applauding and cheering news that Madrid had been elected

7. Close up woman clapping

8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Ernesto Perez Lobo, Sports Coordinator 2016 Madrid Olympic bid

"I am confident in our project, I am confident of our city. We have a popular support that no other bid has. What we have to do know is work and put the finishing touches to make sure the bid is well done. We need to get ourselves known outside of Spain."

9. Various of Deputy Mayor Manuel Cobos having photograph taken in front of Madrid Olympic Logo

10. Wide of park

11. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Local resident, Vox pop:

"We have it all pretty much prepared. As we had it almost ready for the 2012 bid. I think we have an opportunity."

12. Man jogging

13. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Local resident, Vox pop:

"Seeing as we didn't win for the 2012 we should win this time."

14. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Local resident, Vox pop:

"I think we'll win but I don't really care if it doesn't."

15. Women in park

16. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Local resident, Vox pop:

"I would like Madrid to be the Olympic City in 2016."

17. Wide of park, women with prams

STORYLINE

Four cities were picked as finalists on Wednesday for the 2016 Olympics and Spain's capital Madrid was one of them.

The city's mayorship organised an event in the Cecilio Rodr�guez gardens of the Retiro Park to receive the news broadcasted from Athens.

"I am confident in our project, I am confident of our city. We have a popular support that no other bid has. What we have to do know is work and put the finishing touches to make sure the bid is well done. We need to get ourselves known outside of Spain," Ernesto Perez Lobo, Sports Coordinator 2016 Madrid Olympic bid said.

Other cities making the IOC shortlist were Chicago, US; Tokyo, Japan; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Eliminated from the race were Doha, Qatar; Prague, Czech Republic; and Baku, Azerbaijan.

The final field was selected by the International Olympic Committee executive board.

The big four - Chicago, Madrid, Spain and Tokyo - had all been virtually assured of advancing to the final stage.

Madrid citizens enjoying the warm weather in the Retiro park expressed their delight at Madrid's election.

"I would like Madrid to be the Olympic City in 2016," one woman told AP Television.

"We have it all pretty much prepared. As we had it almost ready for the 2012 bid. I think we have an opportunity," said another.

"Seeing as we didn't win for the 2012 we should win this time," said one man.

The finalists now advance to a 16-month race that will culminate on October 2, 2009, with a secret ballot by the full IOC at its session in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The evaluation report, which assessed sports venues, government support, security and other matters, put Tokyo in front, followed closely by Madrid.

In a surprise, Chicago and Doha were tied for third, with Rio fifth. Prague and Baku were sixth and seventh.

The early ranking is not crucial. When the IOC picked the finalists for the 2012 Olympics in 2004, London was ranked third behind first-place Paris and Madrid in the technical report.

London went on to win the games in 2005.

The 2016 race shapes up as a tight battle between strong candidates from the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Chicago is a contender to take the games back to the US for the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Madrid is back again after a third-place finish in the vote for the 2012 Olympics, which went to London.

Cities that made the cut will have to submit their detailed bid files to the IOC by February 12, 2009.

After that, a panel of IOC experts will visit each of the cities, tour the proposed sites and meet with bid and government leaders.

The panel will release an evaluation report to the IOC members a month before the October 2009 vote.

The 2016 cutoff was the centrepiece of a three-day IOC board meeting in Athens, the last before the committee gathers in Beijing on the eve of the August 8-24 Olympics.

STORY

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez on Monday (23rd November) publicly gave coach Rafael Benitez a vote of confidence and said he will remain in charge of the team.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insisted on Monday that the club remains fully behind coach Rafael Benitez despite the humiliating loss to Barcelona at the weekend.

Perez pledged his full backing to Benitez in a hastily-arranged news conference, two days after the 4-0 defeat to Barcelona prompted widespread calls for the coach's resignation.

"We analysed the situation and I'm here to announce that Real Madrid's coach has our full and unequivocal support," Perez said. "He was the coach that we picked for his professionalism, his trajectory and his experience. He has the capacity to make this squad play up to its potential."

It was the first time Perez spoke publicly since Saturday's (21st November) game, when he and Benitez were loudly jeered by the home fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

"I understand the disappointment of our fans after what happened," Perez said. "But Benitez just started his job and we need to let him do his work. More than ever we need the fans to show their support to the team and to the players."

The club president said Benitez needs to be given more credit because Madrid has been dealing with a series of injuries since the coach took over the squad less than six months ago. The game against Barcelona marked only the second time that Benitez had all of his players available.

Perez also said the team's results under Benitez have not been bad apart from the last two losses in the Spanish league. Madrid were unbeaten until a defeat to Sevilla two weeks ago, and they easily advanced to the knockout stage of the Champions League with two matches to go.

The news conference took place after a board meeting and Perez said the support for the coach was unanimous. He said the club felt the need to publicly display its support because "of all the doubts" that surfaced after the loss to Barcelona.

Perez said there was a campaign by a few members of the media to "destabilize" the club. He also said opposition was coming from the violent fan groups that he banned from the Bernabeu Stadium a long time ago but that continue to "do whatever they could" to undermine the president and his decisions.

"They will not be able to do that," Perez said.

Saturday's loss left Madrid six points behind Barcelona after 12 rounds. The team are only third in the standings, two points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Pressure had been mounting since the defeat - Madrid's fourth in the last five games against their main rival. Fans waved white handkerchiefs - a gesture of goodbye aimed at Benitez - and chanted "president, resign," shortly after Luis Suarez scored the fourth goal in Barcelona's victory.

Spanish media were already discussing who could be Madrid's next coach, and the name topping the list was former France player Zinedine Zidane, who is coaching Madrid's "B'' team in the third division.

Some fans have also called for the return of Italian coach Carlos Ancelotti, who helped Madrid win their 10th European Cup title two seasons ago. And there have been some reports that Fabio Capello, who is currently without a job, could be the next in line.

Madrid's next game is on Wednesday (25th November) at Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League. The Spanish team have already secured a spot in the knockout stage of the tournament but are fighting Paris Saint-Germain for the top spot in Group A.

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SHOWS

Madrid, Spain - 23rd November 2015

1. 00:00 Florentino Perez entering press conference room

2. 00:08 Wide press conference room

3. 00:13 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Florentino Perez, Real Madrid President:

"I don't know what might happen in the future but I can tell you right now, we haven't even mentioned any elections. Not a word about elections. We have analysed what happened last Saturday. If there are any doubts regarding our support to the coach, I want to say the support is total and unequivocal. We have the hope and the certainty he will be able to repair a situation in which we've found ourselves since last January."

4. 00:52 Wide press conference room

5. 00:59 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Florentino Perez, Real Madrid President:

(On fans chanting for his resignation.)

"First of all, I want to say I respect every demonstration of the fans and members of Real Madrid. They have every right to be upset. We know we have demanding fans and I understand them. All I can say is that I respect them. But this has nothing to do with your question about if I think there's a campaign against me. I have to tell you the truth: I do think so, you do think so and every person here thinks so."

6. 01:34 Wide press conference room

7. 01:40 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Florentino Perez, Real Madrid President:

(Asked whether, like he did with Carlo Ancelotti, he would be willing to fire Rafael Benitez a few months after having defended him publicly.)

"That had nothing to do with this. This is different. This is me giving a speech denying what I'm hearing regarding Benitez not having the board's and the players' trust. That's not true. No matter what people say, the players support him completely and so does this directorate."

8. 02:06 Wide press conference room

9. 02:11 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Florentino Perez, Real Madrid President:

"Cristiano Ronaldo has never, ever said to me anything similar to 'we're not going to win anything with this coach', anything about the captains, anything like that. Ever. Cristiano Ronaldo has never talked badly about anyone. He is a good guy. Everything that comes out these days about me wanting to sell him or having meetings I've never had, only has the purpose of causing instability. Just like (Karim) Benzema does not earn 10 million euros net. He does not."

10. 02:49 Set up shot of media

11. 02:54 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Florentino Perez, Real Madrid President:

"I'm not going to tell you what I told him (Benitez). What I'm telling you is that I gave him my trust, just like I'm doing right now publicly, and that he was doing fine, he was OK. Some players were devastated (after the loss to Barcelona), though, because they played very badly indeed, and they know it. They felt the pressure (of playing against Barcelona with all the expectation), especially those who still don't know Real Madrid so well, they were still shocked."

12. 03:28 Wide press conference room

13. 03:33 Perez leaving

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos confirmed on Thursday that he wants to 'retire' at Real Madrid, ending speculation that he was set to move to China.

The Spanish international admitted he had an offer from China but he felt 'loved' by the fans and never considered to departure.

Real Madrid ended a season of frustration after replacing two managers, Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari, finishing third in the Spanish La Liga and crashing out of the Champions League in the round of 16.

Ciudad deportiva Real Madrid, Madrid, Spain. 30th May 2019

1. 00:00 Sergio Ramos arrives to press conferencia

2. 00:08 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid captain:

"I want to make a clear message about my future because it has been a lot of speculation about it. I want to talk also to the fans, who we never had any issues or doubts in the past. I am 'Madridista' (Real Madrid supporter), and I want to retire here. I want to finish my contract here therefore this is a great occasion to start looking at the future and leaving behind this bad season, like we had, looking to build a bright future. I want to end my career in the best possible way, winning titles, and I think I deserved it after all the years I have been here.  

3. 00:51 Cutaway

4. 00:58 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid captain:

"Of course, I don't want to leave Real Madrid. I always have said that I want to retire here and in my case, and the president (Florentino Perez) can confirm it, is that I would not leave Real Madrid while I was under contract with them. I would be even happy to play here for free because I really feel the club. You all know what kind of relationship I have with the president. We have a relationship like father-son, but well, who never fought with his father and who never had an argument, so in this case the best solution it was for both of us to sit down face-to-face and to leave out third parties as it happened in the past. "

5. 01:43 Cutaway

6. 01:50 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid captain:

"I am not going to lie. The offer (from China) it was on the table, and I told the club about the offer when I felt it was something wrong, and if my fans did not want me here, obviously, I would have thought about it. It was not the case. I always have been loyal to Real Madrid and I feel loved here. I thought the relationship it was not in the best possible way and we sort things out. At any point, I thought to go to China, specially having a contract here. I am not going to leave the club for free or if they pay my contract. It was just speculation that I had requested to leave the club, that's a lie. I never asked or demanded. It was an offer that we just talked between the president and my agent, but there were just speculations that wanted to clear out. "

7.  02:43 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid captain:

(If he prefers Liverpool or Tottenham to win the title and Eden Hazard going to Real Madrid)

"Well, I already gave my opinion in the last game. Obviously, I am going to support Liverpool, but between Tottenham and Liverpool… to be honest I don't have any special preference. Regarding (Eden) Harzard, I think he is a world class player, and I think he will be a great player for Real Madrid. Today, I cannot say much more because I don't know more details. I wish someone like Hazard will join the club because I think he can add a lot to Real Madrid.

8. 03:14 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid captain:

(On how does it looks Real Madrid future)

"I think it looks excited. You will be knowing who is coming but it looks great. Of course, that what it means to build up a new team, with new players to reinforce the team, of course, it will be players that will leave the club too. But we need to recover that hunger and excitement to win titles.  Despite a lot of people said that after winning so many titles you lost a bit of ambition of winning titles, for me is not like that. Every year is like a new one for me and I am always looking to win titles at any time, without thinking about what I have won in the past. I think if we bring new players is liked to give some extra excitement within the team and that's going to be very positive. I think our future looks bright and I hope that will be the case. Football is all about getting good results and to win titles and we all want to see Real Madrid winning again next year. "

9. 04:20 Cutaway

10. 04:26 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid captain:

(On the match fixing scandal)

"This are issues that the justice will investigate. I always liked Raul Bravo because he was part of the team during a few years, and that's an issue that the justice will rule. I don't really know what happened or not. I don't really care about that.

Madrid, Spain. 31 December 2018.

11. 04:50 Various of Sergio Ramos during training

Rome, Italy. 26th November 2018.

12. 05:10 Sergio Ramos

DURATION: 05:17

SOURCE: SNTV

STORYLINE:

Florentino Perez was re-elected Real Madrid president on Monday (19th June) but refused to give any updates on Cristiano Ronaldo's future at the club.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Florentino Perez has been re-elected Real Madrid president as the only candidate standing for election.

Dozens of media attended the event, everyone expecting some statement on Cristiano Ronaldo, but the president refused to discuss the Portuguese star's future.

After his speech Perez spoke to journalists off the record, but was still vague about Ronaldo´s future, saying only that today was not the day to speak about it.

Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Madrid, Spain. 19th June 2017.

1. 00:00 Florentino Perez entering press conference room

2. 00:07 Wide press conference room

3. 00:12 Perez coming up on the stage

4. 00:21 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Florentino Perez, Real Madrid President:

"Real Madrid have done, again, what nobody had done before. We have won nine titles in the last four seasons: three Champions Leagues, two World Club Cups, two European Super Cups, one League and one Copa del Rey. There's no doubt this is real proof of the strength of this project in which we will keep working with no self-satisfaction at all, and focusing on the youth in order to keep making history."

5. 00:50 Wide Perez posing for media

6. 00:56 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Florentino Perez, Real Madrid President:

"We´ve built a legendary team, with the best players in the world, the best players in Spain, and giving great importance to our reserve of young players. We currently have eight players from the academy in the first team. This is the model we have inherited from Santiago Bernabeu, from Alfredo di Stefano and from our Honorary President Paco Gento, and it will continue marking the identity of our club. This is a team lead by Zinedine Zidane, a symbol of Real Madrid who has become in just a few months the best coach in the world."

7. 01:32 Wide Perez posing for media

8. 01:40 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Florentino Perez, Real Madrid President:

"We want a modern Real Madrid but with our classic values. A caring Real Madrid, innovative, a guide in the sports world. A united Real Madrid striving for what might seem impossible. We will fight for this Real Madrid we're all so passionate about, a Real Madrid that turns history into legend."

9. 02:10 Perez posing for media

10. 02:18 Wide Perez posing for media

11. 02:24 Perez leaving

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 2:29

Rafael Nadal named 'adopted son' by city of Madrid

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Tennis world number one Rafael Nadal was made an adopted son of Madrid in a ceremony in the Spanish capital on Monday (May 5).

The honour was bestowed on the Majorca-born Nadal by Madrid mayor Ana Botella at the Palacio de Cibeles (Madrid Town Hall).

This week Nadal will begin the defence of his Madrid Open title.

He is coming off back-to-back quarterfinal exits at clay court events he once dominated in Barcelona and Monte Carlo.

Madrid, Spain - 5th May 2014

1. 00.00 Various of Palacio de Cibeles (Madrid Town Hall) and Madrid mayor Ana Botella and Rafa Nadal approaching the media.

2. 00.19 Various of Botella and Nadal posing for media to the two of them walking forward.

3. 00.34 Back view of Botella and Nadal walking into building

4. 00.39 Botella and Nadal walking into assembly room

5. 00.44 Wide of assembly room

6. 00.48 M/s of Botella and Nadal sitting down

7. 00.54 Wide of ceremony

8. 00.59 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Ana Botella, Madrid mayor

"Rafa, you have the admiration and the permanent fondness of this city, and we want to show you it by designating you Adoptive Son of Madrid. If you accept, many thanks!"

9. 01.17 Medium of Ana Botella presenting Nadal with the medal of Adoptive Son of Madrid.

10. 01.28 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish), Rafael Nadal

"To be named Adoptive Son of Madrid is a responsibility. It is a very important recognition, and because of this I would like to commit to Madrid and to be always at your disposal. I would like to thank for naming me to a place besides other people that are part of history in capital letters. For me is a great honour to be beside figures such as the great musician Pablo Sorozabal or the Nobel Prizes winners Camilo Jose Cela and Mario Vargas Llosa."

11. 01.56 Wide of Nadal and Ana Botella entering the Palacio de Cibeles hall

12. 02.07 Set up shot media.

13. 02.10 Close up of Nadal.

14. 02.16 Wide of Rafa Nadal and Ana Botella in the Palacio de Cibeles hall

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

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 gathered on Sunday in central Madrid to mark the fifth anniversary of a protest movement that led to the creation of Podemos, now Spain's third most-popular political party.

The Democracy Now platform has urged protesters to "occupy squares" in world cities to protest austerity, corruption and a lack of transparency in government.

Madrid's Puerta del Sol square became the scene of a protest that lasted 28 days in 2011, sparking a movement that spread to other Spanish cities and similar "Occupy" movement sit-ins across the world.

The protest by those calling themselves "Indignados", or people angered by Spain's existing political parties, led to the emergence of Podemos, which will vie for power in a 26 June election.

Crowds gathered on Sunday in central Madrid to mark the fifth anniversary of a protest movement that led to the creation of Podemos, now Spain's third most-popular political party.

The Democracy Now platform has urged protesters to "occupy squares" in world cities to protest austerity, corruption and a lack of transparency in government.

Madrid's Puerta del Sol square became the scene of a protest that lasted 28 days in 2011, sparking a movement that spread to other Spanish cities and similar "Occupy" movement sit-ins across the world.

The protest by those calling themselves "Indignados", or people angered by Spain's existing political parties, led to the emergence of Podemos, which will vie for power in a 26 June election.

Madrid - 15 May 2016

1. Various top shots of protest

2. Various of protesters playing drums

3. Various of protesters marching city centre

4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Pablo Soto, Councillor for Participation and Transparency at Madrid City Council; former programmer and activist:

"When there was an assembly to talk about a topic I was interested in, I joined and took part in it. This is what was new about the 15 May Movement (against austerity), many people in small groups talking about politics, talking about how to build a better and different country, and about how to solve our common problems on our own."

5. Soto in wheelchair

6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Pablo Soto, Councillor for Participation and Transparency at Madrid City Council; former programmer and activist:

"How is it to get into politics after taking part in the 'indignados' movement (against austerity)? I always answer the same: I haven't got into politics now; I entered politics on the night of May 15th, 2011, when I decided to go to the streets, camp with other people together, and say no to a political situation that was completely unsustainable."

7. Protesters holding a banner in favour of public health service

8. Protester holding a sign

9. Protesters throwing an effigy of corrupt politician up in the air

10. Effigy

11. Protesters chanting (Spanish) "From east to west the fight goes on, whatever it takes"

12. Protesters chanting (Spanish) "Tomorrow, Spain will be a Republican country"

13. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Ana Garcia, leader of the National Students' Union:

"The May 15 movement ignited the rage of millions of people that said 'no' to paying the bill of a crisis for which they were not responsible, that we were not going to pay with our education, our health care and our rights for a bunch of capitalists who live lavishly, and the most important lesson is not only to realise what's happening but also know how to solve problems, and the only way to achieve our goals is to fight in the streets."

14. Various of protesters holding banners and signs

15. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Maria Moran, Peruvian who has lived in Spain for 22 years, joined anti-eviction movement since being evicted from home in 2011:

"I wish we can get all the things for which we fought and I wish as well that the people who were part of these social movements and will get into the government and rule the country meet the expectations and change things for the common good."

16. Moran

17. Various of protesters marching and holding signs

18. Protester playing violin

19. Various top shots of protest

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

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

Protesters staged a rally on Saturday in Madrid as Spanish lawmakers voted to approve acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's bid to form a new minority government.

They marched in central Madrid, voicing their dissatisfaction with the conservative government of Rajoy.

Rajoy, leader of the conservative Popular Party, won a second term as prime minister on Saturday with a 170-111 vote and 68 abstentions.

Rajoy needed a majority in the 350-seat Parliament during a first confidence vote on Thursday but was rejected.

Madrid - 29 October 2016

1. Various of police at demonstration

2. Various of demonstrators

3. Wide of Congress building

4. Pablo Iglesias, the leader of far-left Podemos, and others walking

5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Pablo Iglesias, the leader of far-left Podemos:

"I believe PM Mariano Rajoy represents the epilogue of something which is old and which is slowly dying."

6. Convoy driving past

7. Various of demonstration

8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Jose Maria Alonso, 60-year-old, train worker from Madrid:

"As a worker and a person of this country, we are against the government that has governed until now and that looks like to govern us for four more years."

9. Various of demonstration

10. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Marina Arevalo, 19-year-old, student from Madrid:

"I think it is an illegitimate government because it didn't even get 30 percent of the votes, and therefore doesn't represent the citizens, which is what a government should do. And I thinks there's a lot of disinformation and, in my opinion, all this has been rigged."

11. Various of demonstration

Residents in Madrid reacted positively to Sunday's general election which saw a pair of new parties ending Spain's traditional two-party system.

Former bank employee Eugenio Garcia said he was happy with the result because "it forces the parties to negotiate to make a pact and discuss their politics."

Diplomat Ainara Gomez said it was "in general, positive" but it was still unclear what would happen in terms of forming a government.

The ruling Popular Party received the most votes but fell far short of a parliamentary majority and is at risk of being ousted from power.

The new far-left Podemos and the business-friendly Ciudadanos parties gained strong support from voters weary of high unemployment, a seemingly endless string of official corruption cases and disgust over the country's political status quo.

If forced out of government, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party would become the third European victim this year of a voter backlash against austerity following elections in Greece and Portugal.

Residents in Madrid reacted positively to Sunday's general election which saw a pair of new parties ending Spain's traditional two-party system.

Former bank employee Eugenio Garcia said he was happy with the result because "it forces the parties to negotiate to make a pact and discuss their politics."

Diplomat Ainara Gomez said it was "in general, positive" but it was still unclear what would happen in terms of forming a government.

The ruling Popular Party received the most votes but fell far short of a parliamentary majority and is at risk of being ousted from power.

The new far-left Podemos and the business-friendly Ciudadanos parties gained strong support from voters weary of high unemployment, a seemingly endless string of official corruption cases and disgust over the country's political status quo.

If forced out of government, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party would become the third European victim this year of a voter backlash against austerity following elections in Greece and Portugal.

Madrid - 21 December 2015

1. People walking around newspaper stand

2. Various of newspaper headlines reading (Spanish) "Spain drops bipartisanship and leaves the government up in the air"

3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Eugenio Garcia, 59, former bank employee:

"Well, with the type of politics that we have had in this country for the past 30 years, with the main two parties, and the policies that they have both adopted, they brought these consequences and a disappointment among the people. And obviously we see a support for both new parties that have recently emerged. Well, that was expected. I am happy with the situation and it forces the parties to negotiate to make a pact and discuss their politics, and I think this is a good thing."

4. Newspaper front pages

5. El Pais newspaper

6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Ainara Gomez, 38, diplomat:

"I think the results are, in general, positive. It will open a new scenario. This is expected in all real democracies, that the parliament plays a real role and that different political forces negotiate and reach an agreement, that is the hope. Now it is up to the agreements between them so that they can form a government. We have to wait. Nothing is clear."

7. Various exteriors of Madrid Stock Exchange

8. Various of electronic boards inside Madrid Stock Exchange

SHOTLIST:

Pool

1. Exterior Municipal Congress Centre, venue of International Summit on Democracy, Terrorism and Security

2. Close up ''International Summit on Democracy, Terrorism and Security'' written on exterior of venue

3. Interior wide shot hall, opening of conference

4. Speakers enter and take seats for opening ceremony, including Spanish Crown Prince Felipe (with bandaged hand)

5. Wide shot as they take seats

6. Madrid mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardon, and (on right) Esperanza Aguirre, President of Madrid region

7. Wide shot as Prince Felipe speaks at opening ceremony

8. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Spanish Crown Prince Felipe

"... this ceremony on the eve of the first anniversary of the terror attacks carried out on the 11th of March 2004 in Madrid. We take this as an opportunity to reiterate in no uncertain terms our firm and absolute condemnation of such barbaric acts and our repulsion of terrorism with its attendant contempt for our fundamental rights and freedoms."

9. Prince''s wife, Leticia Ortiz, and (on right) Fernando Enrique Cardoso, President of Club de Madrid

10. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Spanish Crown Prince Felipe

"Allow us at the same time to offer up a heartfelt tribute of recognition and respect to all the victims of terrorism, and to express once more to all the victims'' families our deepest sympathy and support, and our recognition of the debt of solidarity that society owes them."

11. Audience applaud Prince''s speech

APTN

12. Wide shot of press conference of 11th March Victims'' Association, held in Madrid suburb of Vallecas

13. Closer shot of speakers, on left (speaking) is Pilar Manjon, president of 11th March Victims'' Association (she lost her 20-year-old son in attack)

14. Sign reading: ''11th March Victims'' Association''

15. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Pilar Manjon, President of 11th March Victims'' Association

"We do not want to be anybody''s photo opportunity. For a whole year we have not been given the answers, and we don''t want to be the focus of media attention or sympathy now just because it has been a year since our loved ones have no longer been with us."

16. Audience

17. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Pilar Manjon, President of 11th March Victims'' Association

"By the request of our members, we ask for this silence, this respect, but that after that life should go on. We don''t want to be forgotten but we are also keen to return once more to our everyday lives and resume normality."

18. Wide shot of press conference

STORYLINE

Police in Spain on Tuesday arrested a Moroccan described as a close collaborator of ringleaders of the Madrid train bombings.

The announcement on the arrest came as the country prepares for the first anniversary of the attacks, which killed 191 people.

Ahead of the anniversary, experts and government leaders were gathered in Madrid for the start of a four-day summit on terrorism, which aims to identify the causes of extremist violence and to explore ways of reducing the threat it poses.

It will tackle questions such as whether countries are cooperating enough, how the financing of terror can be blocked and the role of the media.

The conference was opened by Spanish Crown Prince Felipe, who paid tribute to all victims of terrorism, and offered to all the victims of terrorism and their families "our deepest sympathy and support, and our recognition of the debt of solidarity that society owes them."

There followed panel discussions, but the highlight of the summit is expected to be an appearance on Thursday by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who will make a policy statement on terrorism.

The meeting will include a commemoration ceremony for the victims of the bombings, which were blamed on Islamist extremists.

About two dozen presidents, prime ministers or kings are to join about 200 experts from 50 countries who will present their research on the causes and financing of extremism and religious-based violence.

World leaders scheduled to attend include Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, while US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator for the Palestinian Authority, were also expected.

But the Association of Victims of March 11 - which has repeatedly complained that Spanish media treat them like a "spectacle" and that politicians couldn''t care less about them - appealed on Tuesday to be left alone for private mourning on the anniversary.

The main act of homage will be a short, silent vigil in a park and the association will not even be represented at that.

"We implore you to respect our silence," said the association''s president, Pilar Manjon, who lost her 20-year-old son Daniel in the bombing.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party came last in Catalonia's regional elections, winning just three seats in what was a major blow to the country's governing party.

Carles Puigdemont's Together for Catalonia snared 34 seats in the 135-seat regional assembly, making it the most popular separatist party.

Two other pro-independence parties made up the dominant bloc: the left-wing republican ERC party, which collected 32 seats, and the radical, anti-capitalist CUP, which has four seats.

In Madrid on Friday, there were mixed reactions to the results of the regional elections.

One woman said she would rather see Catalonia remain a part of Spain, but she understood the strength of the independence movement.

Rajoy called the snap election after Catalan separatists declared independence in October following a referendum deemed illegal by Spanish authorities.

Rajoy also fired the Catalan government that Puigdemont ran and dissolved its parliament.

He has ruled out independence for the wealthy northeastern Spanish region, saying it is unconstitutional.

Madrid - 22 December 2017

1. Wide of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy surrounded by heads of Peoples Party (PP) during meeting after regional elections in Catalonia

2. Mid of Rajoy

3. Close of Rajoy

4. Rajoy seated next to the Spanish Minister of Defence and Secretary General of PP Maria Dolores de Cospedal

5. Pan right from wide of PP leaders to mid of the leader of PP in Catalonia and candidate for being President of Catalonia Xavier Garcia-Albiol (in striped tie)

6. Close of Garcia-Albiol

7. Mid of PP leaders, Spanish vice-president Soraya Saenz de Santamaria is in the centre next to Spanish tax office minister Cristobal Montoro

8. Cutaway of PP logo

9. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Nuria Ruiz, traffic controller:

"(This election) takes us nowhere, because the winning party cannot govern, because the two independent parties will join (together for governing), so we are in the same position. I would like justice to be done: equal votes to seats. So, the party that wins (the elections), the one who gets more votes, should always be the one who governs."

10. Wide of people walking early in the morning next to a news stand

11. Pan left from La Razon newspaper front page to El Mundo newspaper front page including ABC and El Pais

12. Cutaway of a graphic that shows how Catalan Parliament seats will be divided between the different parties

13. Close of El Pais and ABC newspapers front page

14. Pan left from a graphic that shows the number of votes to a graphic that shows how Catalan Parliament seats will be divided

15. Tilt down of Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia front page

16. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Concha Parra, cleaner:

"My sons lives in Catalonia, in Tarragona. They are pro-independence. I do understand it. I am even happy for them because the independence movement has won. It's a feeling. But, but I would rather Catalonia stays with Spain. Everything will be better together. Until now everything has gone well."

17. Wide of Madrid streets in front of Santiago Bernabeu stadium

18. Cutaway of Real Madrid logo and stadium name

19. Mid of Madrid's Palacio de Congresos front designed by Catalan artist Joan Miro in 1980

20. Wide of people walking in the streets

21. Mid of people entering and exiting subway station

22. People walking

23. People crossing the road

24. Wide of Madrid skyline

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

Former Real Madrid player Xabi Alonso was in court in Madrid on Tuesday, accused of defrauding tax authorities of about 2 million euros (2.3 million US dollars) from 2010-12.

As he left court he told reporters he had "the conviction and the confidence that I have done all things correctly, and that I have collaborated from the beginning (with the justice system), and that I have never hidden anything."

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo was also in court Tuesday, pleading guilty to tax fraud and receiving a two-year suspended sentence.

Ronaldo, facing charges stemming from his days at Real Madrid, was in court for about 45 minutes and signed an agreement which will cost him nearly 19 million euros (21.6 million US dollars) in fines.

Madrid - 22 January

1. Various of photo opportunity at the beginning of hearing for footballer Xabi Alonso

2. Alonso leaves court

3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Xabi Alonso, Former Real Madrid football player:

"I have the conviction and the confidence that I have done all things correctly, and that I have collaborated from the beginning (with the justice system), and that I have never hidden anything. I have to defend myself and trust in the justice system, that's why I've come this far and I'm going to continue to the end."

4. Various of media

People on the streets of Madrid on Tuesday reacted to news that ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont had decided to stay in Belgium for the time being, hours after a Spanish judge withdrew international arrest warrants for him and four members of his former cabinet who have been fighting extradition to Spain.

One woman called Puigdemont "a coward" and said Spain's legal system offered him enough judicial guarantees.

Another woman said he was "on holidays in Brussels" and was "laughing at everyone".

A Supreme Court spokesman said that the five could still be arrested if they go back to Spain, however, because they are still being sought for possible crimes related to the independence bid in northeastern Catalonia.

In a surprise move, Supreme Court magistrate Pablo Llarena said on Tuesday that individual warrants don't apply anymore because the alleged crimes were a group action according to new evidence.

The five Catalans are being investigated for rebellion, sedition and embezzlement, among other crimes, punishable with decades in prison in Spain. European and international arrest warrants were issued on November 3.

Puigdemont is leading his party's campaign for the December 21 election called by Spain's government in an attempt to find a democratic fix to the nation's worst institutional crisis in nearly four decades.

Madrid - 5 December 2017

1. Wide of Cibeles square while Madrid's red tourist bus pass by city hall building

2. Close of Cibeles statue surrounded by Spanish flags

3. Wide of local police cars and policeman ordering the traffic while Puerta de Alcala stands at the end

4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Maria Carmen, 55 years old, unemployed:

"I believe that they are leaving this man (Puigdemont) free to do whatever he wants. After committing crimes as he pleased, after breaking the law as he pleased, now he goes to Brussels practically on holidays. He is laughing at everyone and now they take away the arrest warrants. He can come and continue preparing to become (Catalonia's) President. It's absurd and a mockery to all Spaniards."

5. Various of people walking in the street

6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Beatriz, no last name given, 57 years-old, civil servant:

"I do not agree. I think it's a taunt, because I think that in Spain we have judges and judicial guarantees for judging him here. I reckon he (Puigdemont) really has some nerve. He is a coward."

8. Wide of cars passing by Spain's Bank building

9. Close of subway station banner reading (Spanish) "Bank of Spain"

10. Wide of people walking next to the subway entrance

11. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Javien Molina, 32 years old, economist:

"Regarding the withdrawal of the arrest warrants for Puigdemont, it firstly did not sound good to me, but then after they explained that they have withdrawn arrest warrants because if Belgium execute the arrest of Puigdemont - for some legal mechanism that I am not aware of - they (Belgium justice) could lower the accusation or they could even remove the accused status from him. And that's (precisely) what Spanish justice wants to avoid."

12. Cutaway of digital newspaper that reads in Spanish "Spanish judge withdraws arrest warrants for Puigdemont and the former councillors. Llanera (Spanish judge) wants to avoid Belgian justice to limit the crimes they could be judged for."

12. Cutaway of digital newspaper that reads in Spanish "Spanish judge withdraws arrest warrants for Puigdemont and the former councillors."

13. Cutaway of digital newspaper that reads in Spanish (Spanish) judge Llanera withdraws the European arrest warrants for Puigdemont and the former councillors"

14. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Ricardo Gabilondo, 51 years-old, economist:

"I think the campaign (for elections in Catalonia) is very defined. There are (people) on one side and there are (people) on the other. It's very polarised. So, I think this does not have much impact on it."

15. Close up of Spanish flag in Colon square in Madrid

16. Mid of people walking in Madrid street

Security measures have been increased throughout the Spanish capital in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Madrid saw increased police officers at key embassies and transport points including Atocha train station which saw its own extremist attack in 2004.

Security measures have been increased throughout the Spanish capital in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Madrid saw increased police officers at key embassies and transport points including Atocha train station which saw its own extremist attack in 2004.

AP TELEVISION

Madrid - 17 November 2015

1. Various of police outside Madrid airport

2. People just landed in Madrid's airport

3. Various of flights arrivals' screen

4. Woman looking at flights arrivals' screen

5. People standing with their luggage

6. Suitcases

7. Various exteriors of Atocha train station

8. Interior of Atocha train station

9. Zoom out from banner reading "Luggage control", to travellers putting luggage through security scanner

10. Various of train travellers putting luggage in scanner

11. Police officer holding a machine gun while guarding the US Embassy

12. US Embassy logo

13. Police officers and vehicles outside US Embassy

14. Police officer's gun

15. Two police vans in front of US embassy

16. Various of Guardia Civil car in front of French embassy

17. French embassy logo and a picture of an eye coloured in blue, white and red crying

18. People looking at memorial for the victims in Paris

19. Police car in front of Puerta de Alcala