German Chancellor Angela Merkel is confident that a solution can still be found to the Irish border issue after Britain leaves the European Union, state media said on Monday.
“There are certainly opportunities to preserve the unity of the European Union’s internal market and at the same time, fulfil the desire to have as few checks as possible at the Irish border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,’’ Merkel said during a visit to Tokyo.
READ ALSO:FRC to fast-track remittance of surplus revenue to FG coffers: official
According to her, such conversations must and can be conducted, but the negotiated agreement for Britain’s departure , should not be reopened.
“That’s not on the agenda but we have an agreement for future relationships.
And in these future relationships, of course, you can also settle questions that are still being discussed.
If all those involved were of good will, the time could still be used to reach an agreement on the Irish border issue.
Crucial, however, is to learn from Britain how they imagine it.
We want to do our utmost to ensure that there is no no-deal Brexit,’’ the chancellor said.
A no-deal Brexit means an unregulated Brexit without an agreement, with far-reaching negative consequences for Britain and the EU. (NAN)