PARIS, April 5 (Xinhua) -- France on Friday considered talks about offering Britain further delay to exit from the European Union (EU) were "premature," calling on London to propose a credible alternative plan by next week to enjoy longer extension to Brexit negotiation, according to a local newspaper.
"Talking about an extension is a bit premature as the 27 had set a clear condition that the request must be justified by a clear plan," le Figaro quoted as saying a source from President Emmanuel Macron's office, the Elysee.
"Extension is a tool, not the solution in itself. We are therefore waiting for a credible plan ... by April 10, and the request will be studied that day," it added.
Macron, on Tuesday, said Britain risks to leave the European bloc without accord if its Prime Minister Theresa May fails to come up with credible deal that will allow an orderly exit, arguing that "the EU cannot be held hostage to the resolution of a political crisis in the United Kingdom on a long-term basis."
Earlier on Friday, European Council President Donald Tusk said a 12-month "flexible" extension to the UK's Brexit date was possible, in response to May's second request to further postpone the Brexit date until June 30.
Under pressure to find majority support for her deal to leave the European bloc, May had to set out future plans to the EU this week, under the terms given by the bloc for the first Brexit extension which is set to end on April 12.
A special summit of EU leaders has been scheduled for April 10 to discuss the Brexit.
