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1st LD Writethru: Some parts of British proposals seem "unacceptable": EU's Tusk

Xinhua, December 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

European Council President Donald Tusk on Thursday said some parts of Britain's proposals on the reforms for the 28-country European Union (EU) seem "unacceptable", urging efforts from the British side to pave way for a deal.

"The consultations I have led with all member states show goodwill of all the parties involved but it doesn't change the fact that some parts of the British proposal seem unacceptable," Tusk said at his arrival at an ongoing summit gathering leaders of EU members states with the U.K. issue on the agenda.

Britain has demanded the bloc to reform on four areas, which according to British Prime Minister David Cameron, to address the concerns of the British people over UK membership of the EU.

One of the proposed reforms received fierce resists from the EU and other member states that London sought to curb welfare benefits to European immigrants in Britain.

Tusk has reiterated that there was no consensus over British demands and urged compromise from London to reach a deal.

"If Prime Minister Cameron persuades leaders tonight that we can work together to find solutions regarding all four baskets then we will have a real chance to strike a deal in February," he told reporters.

Cameron, on his part, said he will battle for Britain Thursday night and wants to see "real progress" in all British demands.

"Tonight here in Brussels we are going to have a conversation dedicated to Britain's renegotiation of its position in Europe and I want to see real progress in all of the four areas that I have mentioned," Cameron said on his arrival.

"We are not pushing for a deal tonight but we are pushing for real momentum so that we can get this deal done. So I will be battling for Britain right through the night and I think we'll be getting a good deal," he said. Endit