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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |