Monti expects British people to decide to stay in EU in possible referendum

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti expected the British people to decide to stay in the European Union (EU) in a possible referendum promised by its leader.

"I hope that if there is a referendum one day, UK citizens will decide to stay within Europe and help shape it," Monti told a meeting at the annual World Economic Forum.

His comments came after British Prime Minister David Cameron earlier Wednesday promised to call an "in-or-out" referendum by the end of 2017 if his party wins the next election in 2015.

Monti said that he was pleased that Cameron made a plan to ask a clear question rather than a woollier one.

While reminding the British citizens of the benefits of staying in the EU, Monti said that the EU needed "willing" member nations. "The EU does not need unwilling Europeans. We desperately need willing Europeans."

The Italian prime minister, who is going to lead a centrist alliance at a general election in February, also addressed his local audiences when he praised the Italian citizens for their contribution during a difficult time and warned them of "the mistakes of the past."

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