Germany’s Merkel backs revised Brexit deal

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has welcomed on Tuesday the last minute agreement between the EU and British government on “legally binding” changes to the Brexit deal.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel in Berlin, Merkel said the EU has made “significant” and “far-reaching” proposals to address the concerns on the U.K.’s withdrawal agreement.

“We strongly support this,” she said, referring to the last-ditch agreement reached on Monday night between European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and British Prime Minister Theresa May in Strasbourg.

Merkel also expressed hope that the updated Brexit deal would de approved by the British parliament in a crucial vote on Tuesday.

On Monday, Juncker said they agreed on a "legally binding instrument" relating to the U.K.'s withdrawal agreement, providing further clarifications and legal guarantees on the nature of the contentious "backstop" mechanism.

"It is what we do with this second chance that counts. Because there will be no third chance," he stressed.

"There will be no further interpretations of the interpretations; and no further assurances of the re-assurances - if the meaningful vote tomorrow fails," he added.

Britain’s parliament will vote on Tuesday the Brexit deal and political declaration, as well as the three new documents unveiled Monday night.