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M. Continuo

Quebec launches election, raising prospect of independence drive


    OTTAWA (Reuters) - Quebec's separatist government capitalized on a lead in the polls on Wednesday to launch a provincial election which could eventually lead to a third referendum on independence from Canada if the separatists won a majority government.

    "It is necessary to put an end to the obstruction of our opponents," Premier Pauline Marois, who headed a minority government for the past 18 months, said in triggering an election which will take place on April 7.

    (Reporting by Randall Palmer; Editing by James Dalgleish)