BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The 27 EU national leaders gathered on Sunday to endorse both a detailed treaty setting out the terms on which Britain will leave the European Union and a declaration outlining how Britain can keep close to its biggest market by following many EU rules after a two to four year transition.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk and European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier attend a news conference after the extraordinary EU leaders summit to finalise and formalise the Brexit agreement in Brussels, Belgium November 25, 2018. REUTERS/Yves Herman

The following are their comments.

GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL

“You can certainly say it was a historic summit and a historic day, which produces mixed emotions. It is tragic that Great Britain leaves the EU after 45 years but we have to respect the vote of the British people and, based on this, it is good that we agreed on a withdrawal agreement and a political declaration about future ties with Great Britain.”

What if deal rejected by UK parliament?

“This is a speculative question that I cannot answer. We have committed to something in a very difficult situation and I think that Theresa May, as British prime minister, will do everything she can to play her part and so we are concentrating on completing the course we have set ourselves on.”

“The negotiations to date have been difficult and for the current and future ones we should base ourselves on the motto ‘where there is a will, is there a way’. In this tragic and sad situation, what is good is that we have gone down a difficult path with this withdrawal agreement and that should give us assurance and strength so that we can sort out the future relations too.”

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT ANTONIO TAJANI

“The European Parliament will stress its role (referring to any extension of the transition period)... Changes cannot be made without the due involvement of the European Parliament.”

Said the parliament vote on the withdrawal treaty will be in either February or March.

“Today is not a good day”

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Asked what would happen if UK parliament rejects deal: “It’s impossible to re-open the text.”

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

“We must draw all the consequences that show that the European Union has a fragile side, it can be improved …. It shows that our Europe needs to be rebuilt and that is the option I support and will continue to work toward.”

“On the issue of fishing, of reciprocal access, our fishermen will be well protected, that is a priority in our future relationship, reinstated in the text and very present in today’s conclusions.”

“It’s not a day when we should celebrate, nor a day of mourning. It is the choice of a sovereign people.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER

“It is a sad day. Seeing a country like Great Britain, but I would say this of any others, leaving the European Union is not a moment of jubilation or celebration. It is a sad moment, a tragedy.”

“I believe that the British government will succeed in securing the backing of the British parliament.”

“I would vote in favor of this deal because this is the best deal possible for Britain.... This is the deal. It is the best deal possible and the European Union will not change its fundamental position when it comes to this issue.”

EU CHIEF BREXIT NEGOTIATOR MICHEL BARNIER

“All along this extraordinary negotiation, very difficult we have worked to reach a deal. That means to organize in an orderly fashion the withdrawal decided by the UK.

We have negotiated with the UK, never against the UK. Now it is time for everybody to take their responsibility, everybody.

This deal is a necessary step to build trust between the UK and the EU, we need build in the next phase of this unprecedented and ambitious partnership. We will remain allies, partners and friends.”

DUTCH PRIME MINISTER MARK RUTTE

“I think the loss of the United Kingdom is really bad news, I have always thought that. I think we now have an agreement that limits the damage for the UK and for the EU... What we have found is an acceptable package, but it remains bad news but a balanced package for both sides.”

“This is a balanced outcome with no political winners or victories, but I think it is acceptable.

“I don’t expect a no vote. I expect a yes vote and this is the deal on the table. I don’t think there’s anything more.”

“I don’t want to contemplate a no vote. I think there will be a yes vote, but more in general, I think this is the maximum we can all do, both Theresa May and her government as well as the European Union. No victors here today, nobody winning, we’re all losing, but given the context, that is acceptable.”