Full no-holes-barred comments from @eucopresident Donald Tusk:I always try to present the EU's position honestly and without beating about the bush. Telling the truth even if difficult and unpleasant...that's how it was in Salzburg and that's also how we will work in coming days.
Tusk: we want to focus on practical and realistic ways of minimising the damage caused by Brexit on both sides of the channel.
"Emotional arguments that stress the issue of dignity sound attractive, but they do not facilitate agreement. Let us remember that every actor in this process has their dignity, and confrontation in this field will not lead to anything good.
"Second, the task of the EU's negotiator is to defend the interest of the EU as a whole and of all the 27 member states. We very much regret the UK has decided to leave, and we hope for the best relationship in the future.
"But no-one can expect that the EU will give up its fundamental values and key interests. Let me make this clear, the EU wants a relationship with the UK that is as close and special as possible. From the very beginning the EU offer has been not just a Canada deal,
"But a Canada+++ deal. Much further reaching on trade, on internal security and on foreign policy cooperation. This is a true measure of respect and this offer remains in place. The EU is serious about getting the best possible deal,
"Even though we haven't changed our minds that the consequences of Brexit will be negative for both sides.
Third, in respecting our partners we expect the same in return.
Third, in respecting our partners we expect the same in return.
"Comparing the European Union to the Soviet Union is as unwise as it is insulting. The Soviet Union was about prisons and gulags, borders and walls, violence against citizens.
"The EU is about freedom and human rights, prosperity and peace, life without fear, it is about democracy and pluralism. A continent without internal borders and walls.
"As the president of the European Council and someone who spent half my life in the Soviet Bloc I know what I am talking about. The Soviet spirit is still alive, as demonstrated by the attack in Salisbury. You will know best where to find this spirit...rather not in Brussels.
"I am sure you will also remember who was the first to declare full solidarity with the UK at that critical moment. Unfortunately that was not a unique incident.
"Today the Dutch and UK govts informed about the cyber attack againts the organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in the Hague, which was carried out by the Kremlin's intelligence services.
"On behalf of the Eu I want to fully condemn this attack and express our complete solidarity with those affected. I will put the issue on the agenda of the next European Council"
