US prefers a united Britain

Washington, Sep 16: The White House has said that the Obama administration prefers a "united" Britain, two days before the Scots cast their votes on whether to split.

"This is a decision for the people of Scotland to make," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.

"We certainly respect the right of individual Scots to make a decision."

"But, we have an interest in seeing the UK remain strong, robust, united and an effective partner," Earnest added.

In October 2012, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond signed the Edinburgh Agreement, allowing Scotland to hold an independence referendum on the question of "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

The vote is scheduled for Thursday.

Cameron Monday urged the Scots to reject independence and vote "no" in a last ditch bid to save the union that has lasted for more than three centuries.

IANS