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1st LD: Tusk says EU won't pursue punitive approach in Brexit talks

Xinhua, March 31, 2017 Adjust font size:

European Council President Donald Tusk said Friday that the remaining 27 members of the European Union (EU) will not pursue a punitive approach over the forthcoming Brexit talks.

"EU27 does not, will not pursue punitive approach. Brexit in itself is already punitive enough," he tweeted minutes before a joint press conference with Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in Valletta, the capital city of the Mediterranean nation.

Malta holds the rotating EU presidency from January to June this year.

"Only once we have achieved sufficient progress on the withdrawal, can we discuss the framework for our future relationship," Tusk said.

He reiterated that the EU's duty "is to minimize uncertainty, disruption caused by Brexit for citizens, businesses and Member States. It's about damage control." Endite