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1st LD Writethru: Challenging work lies ahead for "Brexit" deal at EU summit

Xinhua, February 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday said the work at the ongoing European Union (EU) summit would be "hard" as European leaders tried to hammer out a deal to avoid Britain leaving the 28-country bloc.

"We've got some important work to do today and tomorrow, and it's going to be hard," Cameron told reporters upon his arrival in Brussels for a two-day summit.

London demands reforms to the EU and the summit was viewed as a "make or break" time for a deal to win Cameron's support for Britain staying in the bloc before a scheduled referendum.

"I will be battling for Britain, if we can get a good deal, I will take that deal, but I will not take a deal that doesn't meet what we need," he said.

"I think it is much more important to get things right than in a rush. But with good will, with hard work, we can get a better deal for Britain," he added.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters upon her arrival that the UK's expectations in view of its referendum would be an intensive discussion. "We have a lot to clarify. We want to do everything so that the UK can remain a member of the EU."

French President Francois Hollande said an agreement was "possible" if certain conditions were met. However, he said "no country should ignore the common rules we have established. The UK shall stay in the EU but in respect of the fundamental rules and spirit of the EU."

In the meantime, EU leaders showed strong hope to secure reform deal before expected referendum in Britain to keep the UK in the EU.

"As European Parliament we have a great interest in ensuring the UK remains a member of the EU. Together we are stronger and we will work constructively to ensure that what is agreed is actually put into legislative form in the EU," said Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament in a joint press conference with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker just ahead of the summit.

"I am confident we will have a deal during this European Council. We have to sort out a certain number of questions and I am convinced Britain will be a constructive member of the EU," said Juncker at the press conference.

However, just as what President of the European Council Donald Tusk pointed out concerning the summit, "we are in the middle of still very difficult and sensitive negotiations on the UK question. One thing is clear for me though. This is a make or break summit. I have no doubts." Endit