REFERENDUM;UN expects UK to continue as partner in peace, security, development

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon says he expects the United Kingdom to continue to be a strong partner to the execution of UN programmes in peace, security and development.

Ban, in his reaction to the result of the referendum in the UK, also said he expects that the European Union would continue to be a strong partner to the UN on humanitarian issues, as well as peace, security and migration.

“The UN looks forward to continued working relationship with the United Kingdom and the European Union, as very strategic partners.

“When we work together, we are stronger.

“The vote to leave the EU came at the end of intensive deliberations and rich discussions, not just in the UK, but across Europe,” he added.

Now, as the UK and other EU Member States embark on the process of charting a new course, he said he trusts in Europe’s well-proven history of pragmatism and common responsibility in the interest of European citizens.

The “Leave” campaign won by 52 per cent to 48 percent.

No fewer than 17.4 million people voted in the referendum on Thursday to sever ties with the EU, while about 16.1 million voted to remain in the bloc