Italy, Germany, France agree to begin expeditious talks on Brexit

BERLIN, June 27 (KUNA) -- The German, French and Italian governments agreed on Monday to hold expeditiously necessary talks on Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.
Last Thursday, British people decided to leave the EU through a 52-48 referendum described by many leaders across the globe as a "blow" to Europe.
In a news conference today, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francios Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi stressed the necessity of abidance by the Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which says "any member state should submit a formal request, if it decides to withdraw from the EU." Merkel said '"we agree there will be no formal or informal talks' with Britain until Article 50 of the EU treaty has been invoked." She added there can be no talks on Brexit before Britain formally begins the process of leaving the EU.
Merkel noted the talks with Hollande and Renzi led to another agreement aiming to give a "new push" to the European Union on combating terrorism and economic growth as well as providing opportunities to help European economies be able to competition.
Meanwhile, Holland called not to waste time in terms of submitting the formal request by Britain on the withdrawal from the EU.
Renzi expressed his country's respect of the results of Britons' referendum on leaving the EU, calling for staring expeditiously negotiations on Brexit.
The three leaders affirmed that today's meeting doesn't mean that they are seeking to lead the EU in the future.
Today's meeting is part of preparations for subsequent steps following the results of Britons' referendum on Brexit, and for the European summit slated for tomorrow in Brussels to discuss the same topic. (end) anj.hm