Germany urges UK to swiftly leave EU

BERLIN (AA) – Germany has urged new British Prime Minister Theresa May Thursday to swiftly apply for an exit from the European Union.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the appointment of Boris Johnson, the top Brexit campaigner and former London mayor, as foreign secretary, was a clear signal that Theresa May would not ignore the referendum result.

“The appointment of Boris Johnson is a clear message in every sense from Prime Minister Kay that she takes the result of the referendum serious and wants to implement the Brexit,” Steinmeier told German weekly Bild am Sonntag.

"Now we can also expect from Theresa May that she ends the period of uncertainty as soon as possible and officially applies for an exit from the European Union,” he added.

Steinmeier criticized Boris Johnson for exploiting the Eurosceptic mood for himself during the Brexit campaign, but also underlined that it was now time for him to assume responsibility for the future of relations with Europe.

“For us Great Britain remains an important partner, with which we have to continue our close cooperation, not only within the UN, G7 or NATO, but also in Vienna and Geneva for talks for a solution to the civil war in Syria,” he said.

“It is in the hands of the new British government now to prepare the ground, so that the Great Britain and Europe can work on a common future despite the Brexit,” he stressed.