LOC18:28
15:28 GMT
BRUSSELS, March 21 (KUNA) -- European Union leaders Thursday said they would agree to an extension of Brexit but only if the UK Parliament approves the Brexit agreement in a possible vote next week.
"Everyone knows that this is a historic event and we have to be cautious. We need to work until the last second to make a regular exit happen. Prime Minister (Theresa) May can present her views today and then the 27 will form our opinion," German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters ahead of an EU summit focused on Brexit.
"One option remains that the Brexit agreement get a majority in British Parliament but maybe not," she said and added "that means we have to see what we can do but that depends not only on us but on British side as well."
On his part, French President Emmanuel Macron said "we do respect the vote of the British people. We do respect what the Prime Minister and Parliament are making"
"We can discuss and agree on an extension. If this is a technical extension in case of a yes vote. In case of a no vote it will guide everybody to a no deal for sure," he stressed.
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said if the UK parliament rejects the deal then they will have a second meeting of EU leaders next week.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said "I think today, I guess, what our colleagues will do is that we will nod yes to the idea (for extension) that if the UK parliament votes yes to the whole deal."
UK Prime Minister Theresa May has requested an extension of Brexit till June 30. The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29. (end)
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