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Scottish independence: 'I will respect referendum result', says Juncker Scottish independence: 'I will respect referendum result', says Juncker
(35 minutes later)
The president-designate of the EU Commission has said he would respect the result of Scotland's referendum. The president-designate of the EU Commission is reported to have said he would respect the result of Scotland's referendum.
On Wednesday, Jean-Claude Juncker met with the Greens-European Free Alliance MEP group. On Wednesday, Jean-Claude Juncker met with a group of MEPs.
Mr Juncker told the MEPs he was "in favour of democratic expressions" and would respect Scotland's decision. Mr Juncker told them he was "in favour of democratic expressions" and would respect Scotland's decision.
In November, Mr Juncker is expected to replace current president, Jose Manuel Barroso, who previously said Scotland's EU entry would be difficult.In November, Mr Juncker is expected to replace current president, Jose Manuel Barroso, who previously said Scotland's EU entry would be difficult.
Mr Juncker was questioned about his position on the Scottish independence referendum, due to take place in September, by Catalan MEP Josep Maria Terricabras.Mr Juncker was questioned about his position on the Scottish independence referendum, due to take place in September, by Catalan MEP Josep Maria Terricabras.
The official said: "I am in favour of democratic expressions, but I'm not so arrogant to pre-empt the debate. The official is reported to have said: "I am in favour of democratic expressions, but I'm not so arrogant to pre-empt the debate.
"I will respect the result of Scotland's referendum.""I will respect the result of Scotland's referendum."
The comments are in line with Mr Juncker's previous comments on the Catalan and Scottish independence movements. But he added: "One does not become a member of the EU by sending a letter."
The comments appear to be in line with Mr Juncker's previous remarks on the Catalan and Scottish independence movements.
During a TV debate in May, he said: "It would be good for the EU to not intervene in the debate. It is Spain and the UK's jurisdictions.During a TV debate in May, he said: "It would be good for the EU to not intervene in the debate. It is Spain and the UK's jurisdictions.
"I agree with the principle that one must respect national constitutions. That said, we should not get involved.""I agree with the principle that one must respect national constitutions. That said, we should not get involved."
In February, the current EU Commission president, Mr Barroso, said an independent Scotland's entry to the EU would be "extremely difficult".In February, the current EU Commission president, Mr Barroso, said an independent Scotland's entry to the EU would be "extremely difficult".
He said: "In case there is a new country, a new state, coming out of a current member state it will have to apply." He said: "In case there is a new country, a new state, coming out of a current member state it will have to apply.
"Of course it will be extremely difficult to get the approval of all the other member states to have a new member coming from one member state.""Of course it will be extremely difficult to get the approval of all the other member states to have a new member coming from one member state."
'Facts are clear''Facts are clear'
Alyn Smyth, SNP MEP who attended the meeting with Mr Juncker, said the comments showed "refreshing common sense".Alyn Smyth, SNP MEP who attended the meeting with Mr Juncker, said the comments showed "refreshing common sense".
Mr Smyth said: "Mr Juncker is playing it straight.Mr Smyth said: "Mr Juncker is playing it straight.
"He's shown he will respect the democratic process, and then deal with the choice of the people of Scotland."He's shown he will respect the democratic process, and then deal with the choice of the people of Scotland.
He added: "We can do business with Mr Juncker, which is more than can be said for his predecessor."He added: "We can do business with Mr Juncker, which is more than can be said for his predecessor."
A Better Together spokesman said: "The facts are clear - if we leave the UK then we would need to reapply to join the EU, on terms much less favourable to those we enjoy today.A Better Together spokesman said: "The facts are clear - if we leave the UK then we would need to reapply to join the EU, on terms much less favourable to those we enjoy today.
"As part of the UK we have special EU deals that would be put at risk if we went our separate ways. Where is the sense in putting that at risk?""As part of the UK we have special EU deals that would be put at risk if we went our separate ways. Where is the sense in putting that at risk?"
Mr Juncker is expected to become president of the EU Commission in November.Mr Juncker is expected to become president of the EU Commission in November.