EU council chief: we want close future ties with UK

BRUSSELS, April 29 (KUNA) -- The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk called Saturday for "a close and strong future relationship with the UK." "But before discussing the future, we have to sort out our past. We will handle it with genuine care, but firmly. This is, I think, the only possible way to move forward," Tusk told reporters ahead of a special EU summit in Brussels.
Tusk stressed on the need for "solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit, on both sides." "And finally. We need to remain united as EU 27. It is only then that we will be able to conclude the negotiations. Which means that our unity is also in the UK's interest," he added.
The 27 EU leaders later in the day will discuss the guidelines for Brexit negotiations with the UK.
This will define the framework for negotiations and set out the overall EU positions and principles during negotiations.
The summit comes one month after the UK officially notified Brussels of its intention to leave the EU.
The Brexit negotiations are expected to begin after the snap election in the UK on 8 June. (end) nk.mb