LOC16:58
13:58 GMT
LONDON, March 29 (KUNA) -- UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced Wednesday her country's official launch on implementing Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.
"The Article 50 process is now underway. And in accordance with the wishes of the British people, the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union," May stated to the British Parliament, adding that Britain's Ambassador to EU Sir Tim Barrow has hand-delivered Article 50 letter to European Council President Donald Tusk earlier.
"This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back. Britain is leaving the European Union. We are going to make our own decisions and our own laws. We are going to take control of the things that matter most to us. And we are going to take this opportunity to build a stronger, fairer Britain - a country that our children and grandchildren are proud to call home," said the British Premier.
"I am confident that we have the vision and the plan to use this moment to build a better Britain. For, leaving the European Union presents us with a unique opportunity. It is this generation's chance to shape a brighter future for our country. A chance to step back and ask ourselves what kind of country we want to be," she added.
May also indicated that while her country is leaving the EU, it will, meanwhile, remain close friend, ally, and committed partner with Europe.
"We will play our part to ensure that Europe is able to project its values and defend itself from security threats. And we will do all that we can to help the European Union prosper and succeed," she affirmed.
"We will continue to be reliable partners, willing allies and close friends. We want to continue to buy goods and services from the EU, and sell them ours. We want to trade with them as freely as possible, and work with one another to make sure we are all safer, more secure and more prosperous through continued friendship," added May.
"Indeed, in an increasingly unstable world, we must continue to forge the closest possible security co-operation to keep our people safe. We face the same global threats from terrorism and extremism. That message was only reinforced by the abhorrent attack on Westminster Bridge and this place last week," the British Premier noted. (end)
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