Brexit leaves European leaders reeling

European leaders have expressed dismay after Britain voted to leave the EU, triggering warnings of repercussions and fears of further calls for similar referendums.

EU chiefs told Britain Friday to start negotiations to quit the bloc "as soon as possible," after outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron said he would leave the negotiations to his successor.

"We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be," said a joint statement.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz said the EU assembly will hold an emergency session next week. France was also to hold an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the impact of Britain's exit.

Schulz said he would speak with German Chancellor Angela Merkel “on how we can avoid a chain reaction” of other EU states following the UK's lead.

“The chain reaction that is being celebrated everywhere now by euroskeptics won’t happen,” Schulz said. “That’ll have consequences and I don’t believe other countries will be encouraged to follow that dangerous path.”

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier voiced regret over the decision, calling it a “sad day for Europe.”

Former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb described the 'Leave' vote as a bad nightmare, saying the development could lead to crisis and chaos.

SS