BRUSSELS - British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday said the
work at the ongoing European Union (EU) summit would be "hard" as
European leaders tried to hammer out a deal to avoid Britain leaving the
28-country bloc.
British
Prime Minister David Cameron sits during a European Union leaders
summit, addressing the talks about the so-called Brexit and the migrants
crisis, in Brussels, Belgium, February 18, 2016
We've got some important work to do today and
tomorrow, and it's going to be hard," Cameron told reporters upon his
arrival in Brussels for a two-day summit.
London demands reforms to the EU and the summit was viewed as a "make or
break" time for a deal to win Cameron's support for Britain staying in
the bloc before a scheduled referendum.
"I will be battling for Britain, if we can get a good deal, I will take
that deal, but I will not take a deal that doesn't meet what we need,"
he said.
"I think it is much more important to get things right than in a rush.
But with good will, with hard work, we can get a better deal for
Britain," he added.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters upon her arrival that the
UK's expectations in view of its referendum would be an intensive
discussion. "We have a lot to clarify. We want to do everything so that
the UK can remain a member of the EU."
French President Francois Hollande said an agreement was "possible" if
certain conditions were met. However, he said "no country should ignore
the common rules we have established. The UK shall stay in the EU but in
respect of the fundamental rules and spirit of the EU."
British
Prime Minister David Cameron arrives for a European Union leaders
summit addressing the talks about the so-called Brexit and the migrants
crisis in Brussels, Belgium, February 18
In the meantime, EU leaders showed strong hope to secure reform deal
before expected referendum in Britain to keep the UK in the EU.
"As European Parliament we have a great interest in ensuring the UK
remains a member of the EU. Together we are stronger and we will work
constructively to ensure that what is agreed is actually put into
legislative form in the EU," said Martin Schulz, President of the
European Parliament in a joint press conference with President of the
European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker just ahead of the summit.
"I am confident we will have a deal during this European Council. We
have to sort out a certain number of questions and I am convinced
Britain will be a constructive member of the EU," said Juncker at the
press conference.
However, just as what President of the European Council Donald Tusk
pointed out concerning the summit, "we are in the middle of still very
difficult and sensitive negotiations on the UK question. One thing is
clear for me though. This is a make or break summit. I have no doubts."
Saturday, 20 Februari 2016
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