Donald Tusk: ‘There is no other way but to continue’ Brexit talks

Council president also says EU must avoid ‘even the slightest trace of hypocrisy’ over killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

European Council President Donald Tusk on Wednesday said the U.K. made clear at last week’s EU summit that “more time is needed to find a precise solution” to Brexit and that he is confident EU leaders would grant Theresa May an extension if “it helps to reach a deal.”

Speaking at the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Tusk told MEPs that if an extended transition would aide the British PM, he is “sure that leaders will accept it.”

Last Wednesday evening’s European Council meeting ended in disappointment and little movement on Brexit, particularly on the issue of the Irish border. The British PM had earlier rejected a tentative divorce agreement reached by negotiators at the technical level earlier this month.

May did indicate to leaders that she would consider a longer transition period, a move that was seen as a turnaround after months of insisting that just under two years is sufficient time in which to negotiate the divorce.

European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans was firmer than Tusk in his message to the U.K.

“We must not rush to a deal at the expense of our principles,” he told MEPs.

After briefing MEPs on last week’s European Council summit, Tusk closed with a comment on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey earlier this month.

“This was such a horrible crime, that even the slightest trace of hypocrisy would bring shame on us,” the Council president said. “It is not my role to state who wants to protect whose interests here. But I know one thing: The only European interest is to reveal all the details of this case, regardless of who is behind it.”

He added: “Knowing your sensitivity and determination, I believe that you will not allow for Europe, the member states or the institutions, to become involved in any ambiguous game.”