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Cameron says his gov't won't invoke Article 50 of EU treaty

British Prime Minister David Cameron
British Prime Minister David Cameron
LONDON, June 27 (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron said Monday his government would not invoke Article 50 of the European Union's (EU) Lisbon Treaty, which paved way for the nation's exit from the bloc.
Invoking Article 50 is a sovereign decision, Cameron told the House of Commons, and Britain would not push for the negotiations to leave the EU.
The EU, he added, should await a new British Prime Minister to replace him.
Article 50 is the legal instrument allowing an EU member state to start withdrawal negotiations, which could last for two years.
Cameron said his government has acknowledged the last Thursday's referendum results which called for leaving the EU. These negotiations, he added, would be long and complicated.
But he said Britain would not turn its back to Europe, and would work hard on maintaining solid relations with its European partners.
Cameron called on the elite politicians to maintain the social fabric after the division shown in the referendum's results. He also condemned the anti-immigration calls.
The Executive Committee of the Conservative Party announced opening the door for candidates to replace Cameron, who announced he would be stepping down in next three months. (end) kd.bs