Catalonia opens anticipated parliament session

Catalonia's parliament has opened a highly anticipated session that could spell the birth of a new republic, marking a critical point in a decade-long standoff between Catalan separatists and Spain's central authorities.

Security is tight in Barcelona and police cordoned off a park surrounding the legislative building, where Catalan President Carles Puigdemont is expected to walk a fine line during an address to regional lawmakers.

The speech will need to appease the most radical separatist-minded supporters of his ruling coalition -- but Puigdemont could shut down any possibility of negotiating with Spain if he adopts a hard line.

The Catalan leader hasn't revealed the precise message he will deliver, but separatist lawmakers and activists have said they won't be satisfied with anything short of an independence declaration.

Opening his speech, Catalonia's president stressed the 'need to de-escalate tension and not contribute to increase it with words or actions.'