BRUSSELS, June 28: Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she will use "all her strength" to prevent the European Union from drifting apart in the wake of Britain's decision to leave the trade bloc.

In an address Tuesday to Parliament before she heads to Brussels to meet with other leaders, Merkel said expected that Britain would want to maintain "close relations" with the EU once it leaves, but also signaled that it could not expect a business as usual approach.

"Whoever wants to leave this family cannot expect to have no more obligations but to keep privileges," she said.

Merkel reiterated that there can be no talks with Britain on leaving the EU until Britain starts formal procedure to leave.

 
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