French Finance Minister ‘deeply believes’ UK should stay in EUFebruary 26, 2016 - 13:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French Finance Minister Michel Sapin on Friday, Feb 26, said he deeply believes it is best for the United Kindom to stay in the European Union, and the British people would make the "right decision" in the upcoming referendum to remain a member, Reuters reports. "I believe in the intelligence of the people and I believe the British people will make the right decision, despite the crisis, despite the opportunistic measures that might be taken," Sapin said in Hong Kong ahead of a G20 meeting of central bankers and finance ministers in Shanghai. "British people will make the right decision - which is to stay." Sapin's comments follow a the Financial Times report that British finance minister George Osborne is pushing the Group of 20 leading economies to warn about the dangers of Britain leaving the European Union. Osborne said he hoped G20 support for Britain staying in the EU would be an important outcome of the meeting on Friday and Saturday in Shanghai, the FT said, citing people close to the finance minister. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has said he hopes a deal can be struck to keep Britain in the European Union and to ensure the unity of Europe's single market, in particular for financial services as well as freedom of movement within the bloc. Separately, Sapin said he would be pushing for China to become a full member of the Paris Club of creditor nations at a time of global economic uncertainty and shaky markets. "Obviously when I say that the Paris Club is to go through an enlargement I am thinking about China," he said. He acknowledged, however, that while the club's rules including high levels of transparency and information disclosure, could be seen "as an issue for China" they wouldn't be watered down to allow Beijing's entry. "The membership of the Paris Club requires that members respect a certain number of rules ... I don't see why we need to slacken these rules, we just have to share these rules." The Paris Club is an informal group of creditor governments including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Photo: Reuters 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 | Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. Up to 1% cashback when shopping on Wildberries with IDBank cards IDBank is launching an exclusive campaign on Wildberries for online shopping enthusiasts. |