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EU hesitates to lap up Trump's sudden turnaround

Xinhua, February 25, 2017 Adjust font size:

The European Union (EU) on Friday hesitated to lap up U.S. President Donald Trump's sudden turnaround from his previous position towards the bloc.

In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Trump voiced his support for the EU, saying he is "totally in favour of" the EU.

"I think it's wonderful. If they're happy, I'm in favour of it," said Trump, days after U.S. Vice President Mike Pence paid his first diplomatic visit to Brussels.

The remarks were in stark contrast to Trump's erstwhile disdain towards the 28-nation bloc, including dubbing the EU as a " vehicle for Germany" and hailing the Brexit as a great thing. Trump even predicted that other countries would follow Britain's lead in leaving the EU.

Asked by a reporter in a press briefing, an European Commission spokesperson said:" We are interested to see what he said."

"You will wait further before we take a position." the spokesperson added.

Pence on Monday reaffirmed "strong commitment" to the EU, in a bid to allay the bloc's doubts on the new U.S. administration's stance towards it.

European Council President Donald Tusk said he raised "three key matters," namely international order, security and the attitude of the new U.S. administration towards the European Union, during his meeting with Pence, and got all positive answers from his guest. Endit