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Brexit is result of EU activities in recent years — Russian diplomat

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says Moscow is interested in continuing cooperation with both Brussels and London

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. The UK’s possible exit from the European Union (Brexit) is a result of both the EU domestic and foreign policy, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the Rossiya 24 TV channel on Thursday.

"It’s a reflection of the policy pursued by the European Union not only within the community, but also in the international arena. It could not but have an impact on what is happening in this union," she said.

Zakharova said previously that Moscow "is interested in continuing cooperation with both Brussels and London," and "formal relations between Great Britain and the European Union are a matter of that state and the association of states," she added. "Cooperation is a priority for us," the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.

As many as 51.9% of UK citizens (17.41 million people) voted in a referendum held on Jun 23 for leaving the European Union, while 48.1% (16.14 million) were in favor of remaining part of the bloc. The referendum is of non-binding character, which means that its results can be either endorsed or turned down by parliament. Moreover, another referendum may be organized. British Prime Minister David Cameron however promised to respect the will of the British people who voted for quitting the European Union.