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EU to take fair approach on Brexit: Deputy PM of Malta

Xinhua, January 25, 2017 Adjust font size:

The EU would be taking a fair approach on Brexit talks, Deputy Prime Minister of Malta Louis Grech, who's also European Union Affairs Minister Louis Grech said in Malta on Tuesday afternoon.

Malta currently holds the rotating six-month EU Presidency.

Addressing a press conference following Informal Ministerial Meeting of Ministers and State Secretaries for EU Affairs in Malta, Grech said the Informal EU Summit to be held in Valletta on Feb. 3. would be an important step in ensuring the future of the bloc.

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has repeatedly insisted that Brexit talks would be tough, as Britain could not expect a better relationship with the EU that it current has once it leaves the bloc.

Asked about Brexit negotiations today, Grech said the EU would be taking a "fair and pragmatic" approach.

European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans, who also addressed the press conference, said talks could only begin once Britain formally requested to leave the EU.

Timmermans insisted that Brussels would seek to get the best possible deal for the remaining 27 EU countries, while trying to minimise the negative impact on both sides as much as possible. Endit