World leaders stunned and shocked by violent protesters
World leaders on Wednesday expressed their shock as supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol building where Congress meets in an attempt to overturn the results of the Nov 3 election won by Joe Biden.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “saddened” by the events at the US Capitol, his spokesman said.
“In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
The Chinese embassy issued an advisory on its website warning Chinese citizens to strengthen safety precautions in light of a “large-scale demonstration” in Washington DC and a curfew announced by the local government.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet: “Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.
In Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said: “We decline to comment on President Trump’s political style as this is about US domestic affairs.
“But we hope to see democracy in the United States overcome this difficult situation, calmness and harmony regained, and a peaceful and democratic transfer of power.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a video message on Twitter: “What happened today in Washington DC is not American, definitely. We believe in the strength of our democracies. We believe in the strength of American democracy.” he said, speaking in English.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a tweet called the events in the US Congress a “disgrace”, saying the United States stood for democracy around the world and that it was “vital” now that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said democracy’s enemies would be cheered by scenes of violence at the United States Capitol, and he called on Mr Trump to accept US voters’ decision.
In a Tweet, Mr Maas said the violence had been caused by inflammatory rhetoric. “Trump and his supporters must accept the decision of American voters at last and stop trampling on democracy.”
Russia’s deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy posted on Twitter, referring to protests in Ukraine that toppled Russian-backed President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovich in 2014.
“Quite Maidan-style pictures are coming from DC. Some of my friends ask whether someone will distribute crackers to the protesters to echo Victoria Nuland stunt,” he said, citing a 2013 visit to Ukraine when then-US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland offered food to protesters.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a tweet: “I am following with concern the news that are coming from Capitol Hill in Washington. I trust in the strength of America’s democracy.
“The new Presidency of @JoeBiden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people.”
Ireland’s foreign minister Simon Coveney called the scenes in Washington “a deliberate assault on Democracy by a sitting President & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election! The world is watching! We hope for restoration of calm.”
Charles Michel, chairman of EU leaders, on Twitter expressed his shock at the scenes in Washington. “The US Congress is a temple of democracy ... we trust the US to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to @JoeBiden.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concern. “Obviously we’re concerned and we’re following the situation minute by minute,” Mr Trudeau told the News 1130 Vancouver radio station. “I think the American democratic institutions are strong, and hopefully everything will return to normal shortly.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Twitter: “Democracy — the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are by the events of today. I have no doubt democracy will prevail.”