Obama in Warsaw warns against ‘protracted’ Brexit talks

LONDON (AA) – U.S. President Barack Obama has warned against “protracted, adversarial” negotiations following Britain’s decision to leave the European Union.

In remarks made at a press conference on Friday morning on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Warsaw, Obama said last month’s Brexit vote had created uncertainty about the future of European integration and led some to question the future of European security and prosperity.

“Let me just say, as is often the case in moments of change, this kind of hyperbole is misplaced,” he said.

“Based on my recent discussions with Prime Minister [David] Cameron, Chancellor [Angela] Merkel and now here today, I am absolutely confident that the U.K. and the European Union will work together in a pragmatic and cooperative fashion to ensure that the U.K.’s transition is orderly and smooth.

“No one has an interest in protracted, adversarial negotiations. Everybody has an interest in minimizing any disruptions as the U.K. and the EU forge a new relationship.”

Obama described European integration as one of the greatest political and economic achievements in modern times and one that must be preserved.

The U.K. voted in a referendum last month by a margin of 52-48 to leave the European Union, but exit negotiations are not expected to begin until a successor is chosen to replace Cameron, who resigned after the result.

- Dallas shootings

He also reacted to the overnight shootings of police officers in Dallas, Texas, saying his country was “horrified” over the events.

He said: “Anyone involved in these senseless murders will be held fully accountable. Justice will be done.

“Yesterday, I spoke about our need to be concerned as all Americans, about racial disparities in our criminal justice system. I also said yesterday our police have an extraordinarily difficult job and the vast majority of them do their job in outstanding fashion.

“Today is a wrenching reminder of the sacrifices that they make for us.”