Britain at UN registers EU deal to avoid 'Brexit'

(UNITED NATIONS) - Britain on Wednesday registered at the United Nations the special status deal it negotiated with the European Union ahead of the June 23 referendum on membership in the EU bloc.

British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said that the move "puts beyond doubt the fact that the deal the prime minister agreed is legally binding and irreversible in international law."

British Prime Minister David Cameron and EU leaders agreed on February 19 on the measures aimed at avoiding Britain's exit from the EU bloc.

The special status deal will go into effect on June 23 if British voters decide in the referendum to remain in the European Union.

Most analysts expect Britain to vote to stay in the EU on June 23, but opinion polls show the public is divided and the declaration of London Mayor Boris Johnson for the "Leave" camp has boosted its chances.