EU-UK talks must first focus on exit terms

Paris March 30 (IANS) French President Francois Hollande on Thursday told UK Prime Minister Theresa May that the top issue regarding Brexit negotiations was the terms under which the country will leave the European Union (EU).

During a phone conference Hollande told May that the Brexit negotiations must take place in a clear and constructive manner so as to lift uncertainties and to fully respect the rules and interests of the 27-member EU Efe news reported.

Therefore according to Hollande the (two-year) talks must at first be about the terms of withdrawal dealing especially with citizens rights and obligations resulting from the commitments made by the UK.

Hollande said that on the basis of the progress made on that front the bloc could open discussions on the framework of future relations between the UK and the EU.

He asserted that the process formally notified on Wednesday by May in accordance with the will of the British people will not begin with the negotiation of future UK-EU relations as London would have wished for.

Hollande pointed out that Brexit was going to be financially painful for the UK adding that the country must assume the cost measured in labour in freedom of transit and in financial terms.

The President said that this process had already begun with the relocation of UK-based companies over to his country although he stressed that France had no intention of punishing the British people.

--IANS
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