{"id":4162,"date":"2016-06-24T16:31:02","date_gmt":"2016-06-24T16:31:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/box5917.temp.domains\/~iriacom\/\/news\/?p=4162"},"modified":"2016-06-24T18:34:22","modified_gmt":"2016-06-24T18:34:22","slug":"stunned-european-leaders-call-for-unity-as-britain-votes-to-leave-eu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/stunned-european-leaders-call-for-unity-as-britain-votes-to-leave-eu\/","title":{"rendered":"Stunned European leaders call for unity as Britain votes to leave EU"},"content":{"rendered":"

Britons have voted to leave the EU in a historic referendum, a result that has sent shockwave across Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n

Compiled by Sana Jamal (for IRIA)<\/em><\/p>\n

The United Kingdom as a whole has voted to leave European Union, by a margin of 52% to 48%, compelling UK Prime Minister David Cameron to announce he would step down by October.<\/p>\n

The historic decision by\u00a0Britons has sent shockwaves across Europe and sparked turmoil on global markets.<\/p>\n

Leaders of countries within the European Union have spoken of their shock and devastation at the momentous Brexit decision.<\/p>\n

In a joint statement<\/a><\/span>, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, Mark Rutte, holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, discussed the outcome of the United Kingdom referendum and said:<\/p>\n

“In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Donald Tusk, the president of the European Union Council, says that leaders\u00a0will meet without Britain at a summit next week.\u00a0“We are determined to keep our unity as 27 … I will propose that we start a period of wider reflection on the future of our union,” he said, adding:\u00a0“What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”<\/p>\n

A really sad day for #UK<\/a> and #Europe<\/a>. Europeans must stand united now. People deserve a better #EU<\/a>. #Brexit<\/a> \u2014 Michael Roth MdB (@MiRo_SPD) June 24, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThe nightmare scenario came true,\u201d said Gianni Pittella, leader of the European Parliament’s Socialist and Democrats group. Pittella said:\u00a0\u201cIt is sad but it is not the funeral of the European Union.\u201d<\/p>\n

EU fears chain reaction in other European nations<\/span><\/h3>\n

Shocked European leaders vowed to remain united despite Britain’s departure as fears grew that a \u201cchain reaction\u201d of further referendums could tear the bloc apart.<\/p>\n

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon says a new Scottish referendum on independence is “highly likely”<\/a><\/span> because of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. She said Friday legislation will be prepared for a possible new vote. Independence was defeated two years ago in a Scottish referendum.<\/p>\n

European Parliament President Martin Schulz said he was speaking to Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel to avoid a \u201cchain reaction\u201d of eurosceptic success across Europe.\u00a0\u201cThe chain reaction that the eurosceptics are celebrating everywhere will absolutely not happen,\u201d he told Germany\u2019s ZDF television.<\/p>\n

\"Supporters<\/a>

Supporters of the ‘Stronger In’ Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall in London on June 24, 2016. \u2500 AFP<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Europe regrets but respects UK’s vote and call for unity among EU members<\/span><\/h3>\n

Stunned European nations said they were saddened by the news, as they struggle to work out on future policies, with meetings planned in several EU capitals.<\/p>\n

France calls Brexit “a painful choice”\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

French President Francois Hollande said the outcome was a “sad choice” which puts the EU in difficulty, adding that he will do everything to secure “deep change” to the Union.<\/p>\n

Hollande held an emergency ministerial meeting on Friday morning to discuss the impact the Brexit vote from the UK on Thursday.\u00a0He added that the vote was “a painful choice that he already regrets”, and that France would continue to work with the UK, which he called a “great ally”, “The British vote poses a grave test for Europe, which must show solidity and strength in its response to the economic and financial risks,” Hollande said.<\/p>\n

Germany says Brexit vote is a ‘sad day for Europe’<\/span><\/h3>\n

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she had “great regret” at the decision, but added the EU is\u00a0“strong enough” to “find the right answers” following the vote. Germany’s Foreign Ministry described a “sad day for Europe”, adding\u00a0that the news from Britain was “very sobering:”<\/p>\n

FM #Steinmeier<\/a>: The early morning news from #GreatBritain<\/a> are truly sobering. It looks like a sad day for #Europe<\/a>+the #UnitedKingdom<\/a>. #UK<\/a> \u2014 GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) June 24, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n