Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Switzerland will mediate Junts-Socialist talks
Independent institution acts as intermediary for conflicts around the world and announced ETA's disbandment in 2018
The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), based in Switzerland, will act as a mediator in meetings between Spain's governing Socialists and pro-independence Junts, as reported by 'El Español' on Friday.
The organization will be responsible for ensuring that the parties comply with the agreements reached during talks to reelect Pedro Sánchez as prime minister, and will take part in the meeting organized for Saturday at HD headquarters in Geneva.
Founded to pursue the humanitarian vision of Henri Dunant – co-founder of the Red Cross – HD is an independent non-profit organization, "acting from principles of humanity, impartiality and independence."
It is financed by private donations and contributions from governments such as the United States, Switzerland, Norway and the European Union.
In 2018, HD certified the disbandment of Basque terrorist organization ETA to the Spanish and French governments.
Socialists coy
Junts and the Socialists are to hold further meetings, as laid out in their agreement over Sánchez's investiture. Representatives from HD will take part in Saturday's meeting, which is expected to be led by Junts general secretary, Jordi Turull, and Socialists secretary, Santos Cerdán.
The Spanish government has neither confirmed nor denied any information related to the mediation or the meeting this Saturday. Presidency minister Félix Bolaños said on Friday that the government will be "discreet with talks" and "when there are agreements, we will make them public."