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Title: David Cameron in Brussels
Source: by author
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Published: Jun 29, 2016
Author: Stephen Lendman
Post Date: 2016-06-29 08:25:08 by Stephen Lendman
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David Cameron in Brussels

by Stephen Lendman

Calling his meeting a last supper, according to some media reports, was overblown, creating the impression of holding a wake for Britain. A northern European leader was quoted saying “only nice things can be said about the dead.”

The United Kingdom has been around for hundreds of years. Brexit voting changed nothing. Talk of inevitable divorce is more hyperbole than reality.

Required legal proceedings haven’t begun, extremely unlikely in the weeks and months ahead because powerful interests on both sides of the Atlantic want unity. Watch what they do, not what they say.

The Financial Times described the mood in Brussels as “good-tempered…jibes few and far between.” Angela Merkel called the occasion “sad,” adding Germany will defend its economic priorities.

Francois Hollande said Cameron was “emotional” about what he called the “lies and approximations” of the Leave campaign. Urging Europeans to stick together, he asked “(w)hat do we do if confronted by the same choice” Brits faced?

No longer calling for a swift divorce, 27 EU leaders said Brexit would carry a heavy price. Britain no longer will enjoy bloc benefits.

Merkel stressed it, saying “(a)nyone who wants to leave this family cannot expect that as all the responsibilities of EU membership are removed, all the rights remain.”

Cameron urged maintaining “the closest possible relationship” with Europe. He’s excluded from Thursday discussions, focusing on preventing other member states from holding their own referendums.

On Monday with John Kerry in London, UK Foreign Minister Philip Hammond stressed Britain’s special relationship with America, saying its “global role remains undiminished. There is absolutely no question that Britain will turn its back on the world or indeed on Europe.”

“(U)ntil a (Lisbon Treaty) Article 50 is served, (it) remains a full member of the European Union.”

Kerry responded, stressing “the unbreakable bond” between both countries, adding the “special relationship…is perhaps even more important” today.

Expect lots of pressure brought to bear ahead to maintain business as usual. Whatever occurs along the way isn’t likely to change the status quo.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.

Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.

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