LOC19:38
16:38 GMT
BRUSSELS, June 28 (KUNA) -- European Union leaders called Tuesday on the UK to clarify its position as soon as possible after the Brexit vote.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters ahead of an EU summit that negations with the UK can only start after the UK government has notified that the UK will leave the EU.
"There can be no formal or informal negotiations before the UK has triggered the article 50 to leave the EU," she said.
French President Francois Hollande noted that the majority in the UK has decided to leave the EU adding that "we respect their decision."
He called on the UK to clarify its position as soon as possible to leave the EU.
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said "uncertainty is not an option. I will press for clarity at the European summit. We need an agreement with the British as soon as possible."
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said "it is in our interest that we work on an orderly process with the Brits."
"I think we should give the Brits some space right now; their country has crashed politically, monetarily, constitutionally and economically. We should give them some breathing space to get their political house in order," said Rutte.
EU High Representative Federica Mogehrini said UK citizens clearly expressed their wish to leave the EU.
She said that there can be no "half members "in the EU and added that "we need to do things in an orderly way."
First we negotiate the exit of the UK from the EU and afterwards begins the negotiation for a new partnership with a third country, the UK, she added.
"The danger is first and foremost for the UK unity and its political stability, "she said and added that it is important not to extend this chaos to other EU member states.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said "Europe has reached a predictable crisis because of democratic deficit, because of absence of social solidarity."
This referendum should serve as a wake up call for Europe, he said and called for decisions and initiative to make EU more attractive for the citizens Danish Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen said Denmark will not follow the UK example. (end)
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