EU leaders’ comments after summit talks

BRUSSELS: Europe divided in a historic rift on Friday over building a closer fiscal union to preserve the euro, with a large majority of countries led by Germany and France agreeing to forge ahead with a separate treaty, leaving Britain isolated.

Following are highlights of comments by EU leaders and other top officials after the end of their two-day meeting.

EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT HERMAN VAN ROMPUY ON EURO ZONE TREATY: "This treaty will be open to non-euro zone countries. Except for one, all are considering participation."