Merkel says UK referendum decision is a "break in Europe's history"

Powerful German chancellor Angela Merkel has said that Britain's exit from the European Union will be a difficult pill to swallow - but that the show must go on.

Britons voted on Thursday to leave the European bloc after a tough and close-fought battle that has divided the public in the United Kingdom.

She also called on the other 27 EU states to be "willing and capable" to analyse the situation and come up with practical responses.

"There is no point beating about the bush," Merkel said. "Today represents a break in Europe’s history, a break in the process of European integration."

"What the consequences of this decision will be, depends on whether the other 27 member states will prove to be willing and capable to draw not hasty and simplified conclusions from the British vote that would only divide Europe further, but willing and capable to analyse the result with calm and level-headedness and make a joint decision on that basis."

"Today represents a break in Europe’s history" Angela Merkel

The chancellor appealed to other European nations that they should remain part of the bloc, as modern challeneges make it too difficult for individual states to thrive.

"In a world which is growing ever more closely intertwined, challenges are too great for individual states to manage on their own. The European Union is one of the biggest markets in the world. It has to act as an engaged global partner, shaping and wanting to shape globalisation. "

The chancellor appealed to other European nations that they should remain

Merkel has invited the premiers of France and Italy, as well as the president of the European Council Donald Tusk, to meet in Berlin next week in order to salvage the wreckage of Thursday's vote.

"While the negotiations are ongoing, Britain remains a member of the EU. All the rights and commitments that pertain to this membership are to be respected and fulfilled until the actual exit."

"Ladies and gentlemen, the European Union is strong enough to find the right answers to today’s events. Myself and the entire government are fully committed to that."