With the look of things it is becoming apparent that that
after all the heated threats and counter threats from both parties, the
European Union and the United Kingdom may sheath their swords in order to have
an itch free negotiation for a better future relationships.
It was on Thursday afternoon when Michael Barnier while
addressing the Irish parliament released statements for his ambitious hopes for
closest possible future relationships between the UK and the EU, which analysts
term a landmark speech.
Making his open conciliatory speech, the EU chief Brexit
negotiator rejected “aggressive” eurocrats as he begged both Brussels and
Westminster to take away any poison from the Brexit negotiations. Saying he
received with deep regret the decision of the British people to exit the bloc,
however, such a decision should not be allowed to destroy the long standing
friendliness between the EU and the UK.
Mr Barnier told Irish MPs: “I am convinced that Ireland will
play a major role in these changes…as a bridge across the Atlantic, as a
supporter of the future relationship that we need to build with the UK.
“We want these negotiations to succeed, I want us to reach a
deal. The UK has been a member of the EU for 44 years it should remain a close
partner.
“We’ll need to negotiate a bold and ambitious but also fair
free trade agreement. We will also need the same ambition for our research and
innovation networks and for the fights against climate change.
“We need the same ambition in the field of our internal and
external security, whether it’s the fight against terrorism, the exchange of
information, or cyber security.
“We need the same ambition on foreign policy, on
international cooperation and development. Tomorrow our international partners
should be able to turn to the EU and to the UK and find in them strong and
united advocates of our shared European values.”
Also in a sideswipe at both Downing Street and Brussels, he
added: “If we negotiate with mutual respect without any kind of aggression,
nicely, if we’re open to finding solutions there’s no reason why our strong
Europe cannot maintain a close relationship with the strong UK.”
His stance was resonated by Irish Taioseach Enda Kenny, who
called for a “scoping out” of future relations between Britain and the rest of
the EU “as soon as possible”.
Thus, Mr Kenny, seen as one of the UK’s key allies in the
talks, said: “This is a political challenge and we will have to be both
flexible and imaginative to deal with it.
“Our objective is for a close and positive future
relationship with the UK and we’re pleased therefore the guidelines say the EU
wants an ambitious agreement not just in economic terms but also in areas such
as security.”
Mr Barnier talking up the prospects of a good Brexit deal,
also warned: “But let’s also be clear, Brexit will come at a cost also to us
the 27.
“The UK’s departure from the EU will have consequences. We
have the duty to speak the truth. We have together the duty to speak the
truth.”
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