Egypt to launch EGTAP.com online platform to train tourism workforce: minister    Singapore's economy grows in Q2 '25    Gold prices dip slightly on Monday trading    Pakistan names Qatari royal as brand ambassador after 'Killer Mountain' climb    EU prepared to retaliate with €21b tariff package – Italy's FM    Al-Sisi reaffirms Egypt's commitment to African security, development at AU Mid-Year Summit    Dozens of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire near Gaza aid site    Health Ministry denies claims of meningitis-related deaths among siblings    Egypt's Contact insurance arms, Germany's GIZ partner on SMEs, gender equity    Egypt and Italy mark 50 years of science partnership, discuss future cooperation    Egypt establishes Real Estate Market Regulation Unit to oversee sector transparency    Egypt's Health Min. discusses drug localisation with Sandoz    Egypt, Mexico discuss environmental cooperation, combating desertification    Needle-spiking attacks in France prompt government warning, public fear    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt's EDA, Haleon discuss local market support    Korea Culture Week in Egypt to blend K-Pop with traditional arts    Egypt, France FMs review Gaza ceasefire efforts, reconstruction    CIB finances Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show redevelopment with EGP 963m loan    Greco-Roman tombs with hieroglyphic inscriptions discovered in Aswan    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Egypt condemns deadly terrorist attack in Niger    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt's GAH, Spain's Konecta discuss digital health partnership    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    Egypt's Democratic Generation Party Evaluates 84 Candidates Ahead of Parliamentary Vote    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Cabinet approves establishment of national medical tourism council to boost healthcare sector    Egypt's PM follows up on Julius Nyerere dam project in Tanzania    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



brussels bureau EU leaders approve Brexit deal, urge Britons to back it
Published in Amwal Al Ghad on 26 - 11 - 2018

On Sunday, European leaders approved Britain's departure from the 28-member EU bloc after more than 40 years of membership.
The two documents approved at the summit in Brussels were the legally binding 585-page withdrawal agreement and a political declaration. Between them, they set out the terms of the UK leaving the bloc and the future relationship between both sides.
The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on 29 March 2019.
The next step is for May to try and get MPs to back the deal, with most currently standing against it. MPs are set to vote on the divorce deal with the European Union before Christmas.
The main sticking point ahead of Sunday's summit had been the issue of Gibraltar. However, a last-minute fix was found.
Yet Northern Ireland DUP leader Arlene Foster said Saturday she would vote against the deal if the Irish backstop is not removed from the agreement, fearing a separate customs arrangement between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain could lead to the breakup of the UK.
* * * *
On Sunday, European leaders approved Britain's departure from the 28-member EU bloc after more than 40 years of membership.
The two documents approved at the summit in Brussels were the legally binding 585-page withdrawal agreement and a political declaration. Between them, they set out the terms of the UK leaving the bloc and the future relationship between both sides.
The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on 29 March 2019.
The next step is for May to try and get MPs to back the deal, with most currently standing against it. MPs are set to vote on the divorce deal with the European Union before Christmas.
The main sticking point ahead of Sunday's summit had been the issue of Gibraltar. However, a last-minute fix was found.
Yet Northern Ireland DUP leader Arlene Foster said Saturday she would vote against the deal if the Irish backstop is not removed from the agreement, fearing a separate customs arrangement between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain could lead to the breakup of the UK.
The ‘best and only deal' says May and Juncker
After the summit, May said her Brexit accord was the best possible deal and it unlocked a bright future for the UK, adding that its acceptance marked the start of a crucial national debate.
The PM, however, avoided answering questions on whether she will resign if the deal is rejected by the House of Commons.
May also said there would be no second referendum and that it's time for the country to move on, adding that she's “full of optimism” that the UK and EU will remain good friends and neighbours.
On Saturday, May released a letter to the nation asking Britons to back her deal.
EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it was the ‘only deal' and warn Britons a better one will not follow.
“I invite those who have to ratify it in the UK House of Commons to do so,” he added.
Reactions from EU leaders:
EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker
"It is a sad day. Seeing a country like Great Britain, but I would say this of any others, leaving the European Union is not a moment of jubilation or celebration. It is a sad moment, a tragedy.
"I would vote in favour of this deal because this is the best deal possible for Britain … and the European Union will not change its fundamental position when it comes to this issue."
European Parliament President Antonio Tajani
"Today is not a good day.
"The European Parliament will stress its role (referring to any extension of the transition period) … Changes cannot be made without the due involvement of the European Parliament."
EU Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier
“We have negotiated with the UK, never against the UK. Now it is time for everybody to take their responsibility, everybody.
“This deal is a necessary step to build trust between the UK and the EU that we need for the next phase of this unprecedented and ambitious partnership. We will remain allies, partners and friends."
French president Emmanuel Macron
“This is a summit of unity and of gravity,” he said. “The Brexit is far from over, there are a few steps left.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
“We want a close cooperation with the UK,” Merkel said. “As May said, UK is leaving EU and not Europe.”
On the prospect of the deal being rejected by UK parliament:
"This is a speculative question that I cannot answer. We have committed to something in a very difficult situation and I think that Theresa May, as British prime minister, will do everything she can to play her part and so we are concentrating on completing the course we have set ourselves on."
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez
‘Today is a sad day for Europe and all Europeans,' Sanchez said, adding that as “a convinced European” he was “satisfied” with the deal.
In relation to Gibraltar; he added: “We are sat in a strong position that we never had before.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
"This is a balanced outcome with no political winners or victories, but I think it is acceptable.
"I don't want to contemplate a no vote. I think there will be a yes vote, but more in general, I think this is the maximum we can all do, both Theresa May and her government as well as the European Union. No victors here today, nobody winning, we're all losing, but given the context, that is acceptable."


Clic here to read the story from its source.