Tusk appeals to UK: Stay with us

BRUSSELS, June 20 (KUNA) -- The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, appealed Monday to the British citizens on behalf of all Europeans and European leaders to remain in the EU.
"Stay with us. We need you. Without you, not only Europe, but the whole Western and transatlantic community will become weaker," he told reporters after a meeting with Antonio Costa, Portuguese Prime Minister, in Lisbon today.
"In no way are we downplaying the economic costs that would accompany a potential 'Brexit'. I have no doubt, however, that we are already prepared for the day after the referendum. I mean EU Member states and institutions," he said.
Tusk said he exchanged views with the Costa about the UK's referendum to be held in just three days.
"We both hope that the United Kingdom will remain a part of the EU. Nevertheless, whatever its result is going to be, we must take a long, hard look on the future of the Union. We would be foolish if we ignored such a warning signal as the UK referendum," he added. (end) nk.ibi