A Spanish general under arrest

The head of Spain´s ground forces was removed from his post and placed under house arrest Saturday after suggesting that the Army would step in if a proposal for greater autonomy for the Catalonia region surpasses the limits guaranteed under the Constitution. Defense Minister José Bono took the action against Lt. Gen. José Mena Aguado (left in Reuters photo) after calling him in for a 20-minute meeting along with military Joint Chief of Staff Félix Sanz Rodán.

It was the first time during Spain´s 30-year democracy that a high-ranking general was placed under arrest.

On Friday in an address carried live by Radio Nacional de España, Mena said that the Army would have to exercise its right to keep the nation intact if it considers that the proposed Estatut could lead to giving the Catalonia region greater powers than the central government.

"Fortunately, the Constitution abounds a series of unconditional limits for whatever automony statute. For that reason, I reiterate my message of calmness. But if those limits were to surpass [the Constitution], which fortunately at this moment doesn´t seem possible, then the application of Article 8 of the Constitution would apply," Mena said in speech during an Army holiday celebration. Article 8 gives the Armed Forces the power to guarantee "the sovereignty and independence of Spain" and "defend its integrity and constitutional order," he said.

Mena´s comments have evoked polemics among the nation´s political parties, which all, except the main opposition Popular Party, welcomed his removal and arrest. The PP said that it would call Bono before a congressional to explain his position.

The Catalonia statute, which is before Congress, has caused great concern among the nation´s different sectors who fear that it could lead to independence for the rich north region.