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Germany's Merkel wants 'well-ordered' Brexit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel remains hopeful that a deal will be struck to ensure an orderly Brexit despite continuing confusion in London. "All of my thoughts and energy are focused on achieving this in a regulated form in which we can have a sound partnership for the good of all," Merkel told the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Cooperation with Britain was urgently needed in domestic and external security and in defence, she said.

Published January 23,2019
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she is working for a "well-ordered" Brexit as confusion reigns over how Britain is to leave the European Union on March 29.

Addressing delegates at the World Economic Forum, she said everyone involved in the EU is working out how to "deal with the shock of Brexit."

Merkel said she is looking for a "good" future partnership, particularly with regard to security and defense issues in which Britain has taken a lead in the EU. And on issues of trade, she said it would be best if the future relationship between Britain and the EU is as frictionless as possible.

She said, "the easier the relationship, the easier for all of us."

Last week, British Prime Minister Theresa May overwhelmingly lost a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal with the EU. Since then, there's been growing talk that Britain could crash out of the bloc without a deal or that it will end up extending its date of departure.