British PM says will resign if EU referendum plan failsApril 29, 2014 - 14:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - British Prime Minister David Cameron has said he would resign if he is unable to deliver an in/out referendum on Britain's European Union membership by 2017, a threat that will complicate any coalition talks that may follow next year's election, Reuters reported. Cameron's comments, made on Monday, April 28 evening during a conference call with party supporters, were aimed at dispelling doubt among voters that his Conservative party is committed to re-negotiating Britain's ties with the EU, and then winning public approval for the reformed relationship with a referendum. They also come as the anti-EU UK Independence Party is threatening Cameron's Conservatives with serious losses in the upcoming European Parliament elections. The comments confirmed that Britain's future in Europe will be a sticking point in any future government-forming talks if next May's vote does not produce a clear winner, Reuters says. Britain's current junior coalition partners, the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, are staunchly opposed to Cameron's referendum plan. "This is not something I would ever barter away or give away," Cameron said on the call, according to British media reports which were confirmed by the party. "I would not continue as prime minister unless I be absolutely guaranteed this referendum will go ahead on an in-out basis." The Conservatives trail the opposition Labor Party by around 4 percentage points in opinion polls. Labor are also pushing for reform of the EU, but have said they will only hold a referendum if there is a major transfer of power between Britain and the EU - something they don't foresee before 2020. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |