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Britain delivers letter launching Brexit process

Britain formally launched the process to leave the EU on Wednesday

Afp March 29, 2017

British PM Theresa May in the cabinet office signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk invoking Article 50 and the UK's intention to leave the EU on March 28, 2017 in London. PHOTO: REUTERS

BERLIN: Britain formally launched the process to leave the EU on Wednesday, handing a letter to EU president Donald Tusk formally notifying the bloc, an AFP journalist said.

British PM May to fire starting gun on Brexit

Tim Barrow, Britain's ambassador to the European Union, personally delivered the letter signed by British Prime Minister Theresa May at Tusk's office in Brussels, the journalist said.

"After nine months the UK has delivered. #Brexit," Tusk tweeted after he received the letter, referring to Britain's shock June 23, 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU.

After nine months the UK has delivered. #Brexit
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) March 29, 2017

The Article 50 letter. #Brexit pic.twitter.com/SO5R5BTvhw
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) March 29, 2017

May signed the letter in Downing Street on Tuesday, a photo released by her office showed.

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Just days after the EU's 60th birthday, Britain will become the first country ever to seek a divorce, striking a blow at the heart of the union forged from the ashes of World War II.