Merkel has 'great regret' over Brexit vote

By Sarah Westwood, Sarah Westwood

Published June 24, 2016

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday she has "great regret" for the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union, and urged other leaders not to react quickly to the historic move.

"We have to remain calm and composed," Merkel said. "We need to make composed and calm analysis and decisions. In doing so, we need to make sure that firstly, Europe is varied, and as varied as the people of Europe are, their expectations for the European Union are also varied."

Merkel has been one of the most vocal proponents of the type of open-border immigration policies that helped fuel support for "Brexit."

Shortly after the referendum results were made public, Merkel announced her intention to meet with EU leaders and with French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi next week.