Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has delivered a statement urging Scots to reject the upcoming independence referendum.
Bill Clinton began his statement by saying he was “reluctant” to offer his personal views on the matter, given that the Scots alone should make their decision regarding Thursday’s referendum on whether to stay in the U.K. or become independent.
“I understand and sympathize with those who want independence,” Bill Clinton added, citing Scotland’s natural resources and independent spirit.
In a press release through the pro-unity Better Together campaign, Clinton claimed Scots could send “a powerful message of both identity and inclusion” by voting to stay within the United Kingdom.
“Because the independence vote is a decision for the Scots alone to make, and because Scots are already legendary for their independence of mind, I have been reluctant to express my views on the matter. I hope my decision to do so will be received in the spirit of friendship with which it is offered.”
“With so much turmoil and division across the globe, I hope the Scots will inspire the world with a high turnout and a powerful message of both identity and inclusion,” Clinton said in the statement.
But Bill Clinton said that Scotland leaving the United Kingdom would carry “substantial” financial risks, suggesting the proposal to maintain the pound as its national currency and the separation process could weaken the economy and cause instability.
Bill Clinton closed by appearing to link Thursday’s vote with the greater instability in the world, saying that Scotland can show the world how to work through conflict with unity.
“Unity with maximum self-determination sends a powerful message to a world torn by identity conflicts that it is possible to respect our differences while living and working together,This is the great challenge of our time. The Scots can show us how to meet it.”
Recent polls suggest by Thursday the referendum will be a tight vote to determine whether Scotland will declare independence from the U.K.
White House Press secretary Josh Earnest on Monday hinted that President Barack Obama would prefer a no vote.
The Clintons have been in the spotlight with wife Hillary flirting with a possible return to the Presidential campaign trail. Hillary Clinton has also attracted some controversy with her role in the Benghazi attack that left four Americans dead, including U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.
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