BRUSSELS, July 27 (UPI) -- Michel Barnier, a French politician viewed with wariness by British leaders, was appointed by the European Union on Wednesday to lead talks on Britain's exit from the EU.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced the appointment, saying Barnier will "help us develop a new partnership with the U.K." The United Kingdom will begin separating itself from the EU, a process of at least two years, following a June referendum in which British voters favored a "Brexit."