Van Rompuy: No serious Brexit talks before the end of 2017September 15, 2016 - 10:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Substantive Brexit talks between the UK and the rest of the EU are unlikely to start much before the end of 2017, a former European Council president says, according to BBC News. Speaking to the BBC, Herman Van Rompuy described the UK's decision to leave the EU as a "political amputation". He said negotiations were unlikely until a new German government was formed after next September's election. The talks will be tough but hopefully of mutual benefit, he said, adding the UK had to make the "first move". The UK voted to leave the EU in a referendum on 23 June . Prime Minister Theresa May has previously said that she will not trigger Article 50 - the formal start of the process of leaving the EU - before 2017. Leaders of every European Union country, apart from the UK, will begin to gather on Thursday, September 15 in the Slovakian capital Bratislava to discuss the future of the bloc. Van Rompuy was president of the European Council, which defines the EU's overall political direction and priorities, from 2009 until 2014. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |