BRUSSELS, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The European Union will not start exit negotiations without Britain's notification, said European Council President Donald Tusk on Tuesday.
"Europe is ready to start the divorce process, even today, without any enthusiasm, as you can imagine," he told reporters upon his arrival at the EU summit.
"I would like to underline very very clearly: without the notification from the UK, we will not start any negotiations on divorce process or on our future relations," he said.
According to EU treaties, the British government has to initiate the exit process by informing the European Council.
Tusk said the EU has precise procedures and a ready work plan for Britain's exit talks, but also urged patience on London's next move.
A total of 52 percent of British voters voted in favor leaving the bloc in a referendum on June 23.
EU leaders gather here on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss how to deal with the outcome of Britain's referendum.
British Prime Minister David Cameron is set to explain the referendum at Tuesday's summit. The 27 non-UK EU member states' leaders are scheduled to hold an informal meeting on Wednesday.
