White House, UN react to Brexit

NEW YORK

The White House and U.N. sounded similar tones Friday reacting to the historic referendum on the U.K.'s relationship with the European Union in which Britons chose to leave the 28-member bloc.

"The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision," according to a White House statement attributed to President Barack Obama who lobbied for the U.K. to stay within the bloc.

It stressed the importance of the U.S.'s ongoing relationship with both parties, adding, “The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

Speaking to a group of Stanford University students, Obama said he addressed the vote via separate telephone conversations with U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Obama said he told Cameron that he was committed to the U.K.’s "orderly transition" out of the E.U.

And in discussions with Merkel, both sides agreed the U.S. and EU would work closely together.

He said the NATO alliance, which includes the U.K., the EU and the U.S., would remain a "cornerstone of global security," with shared values and commitments but the voting results underscored “the ongoing changes and challenges that are raised by globalization."

While challenges may lie ahead, a statement from the UN Secretary General stressed continued cooperation with European associates.

"At the UN, we look forward to continuing our work with the United Kingdom and the European Union – both important partners," it said.

"As the United Kingdom and other EU member states embark on the process of charting a way forward, the Secretary-General trusts in Europe's well-proven history of pragmatism and common responsibility in the interest of European citizens."

The U.K. voted Thursday to leave the European Union, defying British government's efforts to resolve sovereignty disputes with the bloc since February.

In response to the results, in which Leave campaign won by taking 52 percent of the vote, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation to take effect later this year.