EU rules out free trade talks with UK before progress on Brexit issues April 1, 2017 - 11:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Draft EU guidelines for Brexit rule out starting free trade talks with the UK before "sufficient progress" is made on other issues, BBC News reveals. The paper presented by European Council President Donald Tusk will have to be approved by the 27 member states. Other issues include the status of three million EU citizens in the UK and a million Britons in the EU. Separately, another top EU official suggested the bloc could manage without the UK in defence and security matters. The UK formally triggered the Brexit process on Wednesday, March 29 after calling for simultaneous talks on exit terms and future trade ties. At a news conference, Tusk said: "Starting parallel talks on all issues at the same time as suggested by some in the UK will not happen. "Only once we have achieved sufficient progress on the withdrawal can we discuss the framework for our future relationship." It is clear the UK will face a tough divorce, the BBC says, but there were some hints at flexibility from Tusk. Talks would be "difficult, complex and sometimes even confrontational", Tusk predicted, but the EU would not "pursue a punitive approach". UK Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered the Brexit process by sending the Article 50 notification letter to Tusk on Wednesday. The two are to meet in London ahead of an EU summit on Brexit, which will not include her, on 29 April.  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 |  Latest news About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation  About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty.Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015.Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |
