EU leaders react to Brexit day

Reactions pour in from major European countries after the United Kingdom formally triggers divorce talks with the European Union.

Addressing her conservative party in Berlin, Merkel said the EU will take fair and constructive approach in Brexit talks and she hopes the UK will do the same. She also rejected Britain’s call for negotiations on the UK's exit to run parallel with talks on defining their future relationship. meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande says the two-year process to quit the bloc will be painful for the British. He says the UK’s decision on Brexit will force Europe to go forward, undoubtedly at different speeds. However, Brexit has incited the urge for a divorce from the EU among a number of European politicians, including French presidential candidate Marine Le pen.