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Cameron calls Scots to vote against separation from Britain

LONDON, Feb 10 (KUNA) -- The British Prime Minister David Cameron called on Scots to maintain the unity of the United Kingdom by voting against independence from the UK in the referendum scheduled to take place at the end of next year.
"Over three centuries, we have built world-renowned institutions ... Our ancestors explored the world together and our grandfathers went into battle together, as do our kith and kin today - and this leaves deep, unbreakable bonds between the peoples of these islands," Cameron said in an article published on the PM's website.
"Those who push the Scots to vote on the independence did not provide a clear picture to convince the public of the benefits to be gained by the separation from Britain," he added.
He noted that Scotland within the UK has a system of government that offers the best of both worlds, so "why swap Scottish MPs, Scottish Cabinet Ministers, and Scots throughout UK institutions, for one Scottish Ambassador in London?" Scotland will lose its strategic position and international influence that Britain has, he added.
Cameron criticized the Scottish National Party (SNP), led by Alex Salmond, for rushing to develop plans of independence and trying to push voters to vote in favor of the secession without explaining the complexities of it to the public.
He said "As one of Scotland's two governments, the UK Government has a duty to help inform people with hard facts, so we'll be providing expert-based analysis to explain Scotland's place within the UK, and how it might change with separation - and our first paper is published tomorrow.
"We don't shy away from putting facts and evidence before the Scottish people. We want you to scrutinize, challenge, and form your own opinion." "Scotland is better off in Britain. We're all better off together and poorer apart," Cameron concluded.(end) mrn.ba KUNA 101328 Feb 13NNNN