Merkel challenges Johnson to find backstop solution in 30 days
  • 5 years ago
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on his first overseas trip since becoming leader.
In Berlin on Wednesday, Johnson reiterated his call to German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the Irish border backstop plan to be scrapped.
For more on this and other news around the world, let's turn to our Kim Da-mi.
So Dami, tell us more.
Mark, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson once again said his country wants the Irish border backstop removed... to soothe the road for a less bumpy Brexit.
He made the remarks during a press conference Wednesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.
Johnson has long insisted the Irish border backstop must be axed to prevent a no-deal exit, calling it "undemocratic."
He also said all his German friends and the German government know the UK wants a Brexit deal with the EU.
But Merkel told Johnson that he needed to come up with specific proposals on alternatives to the backstop.
"It has been said, oh we will find a solution in the next two years, but maybe we can find one in the next 30 days."
She added the Withdrawal Agreement would not be reopened.
Johnson responded that he welcomed the "blistering timetable."
According to the French government, the UK is expected to leave the EU without a withdrawal agreement.
That means a so-called no-deal Brexit is now considered the mostly likely outcome in France.
Johnson will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday for further discussions on Brexit.

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