World leaders on Wednesday expressed their shock as supporters of US President Donald Trump invaded the US Capitol building where Congress meets in an attempt to overturn the Nov. 3 election results won by Joe Biden.
Here are responses from around the world:
SWEDEN
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven in a tweet described the scenes as “an attack on democracy”. “President Trump and many members of Congress take significant responsibility for what is happening now. The democratic process of electing a president must be respected. ”
THE UNITED KINGDOM
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a tweet called events at the US Congress “a disgrace”, saying that the United States stands for democracy worldwide and that it was now “essential” that power should be transferred peacefully and in an orderly manner. .
GERMANY
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said enemies of democracy would be appalled by scenes of violence at the U.S. Capitol, and called on Trump to accept the decision of U.S. voters.
In a tweet, Maas said the violence was caused by inflammatory rhetoric. “Trump and his supporters must finally accept the decision of American voters and stop trampling on democracy.”
RUSSIA
“Pretty similar pictures of Maidan style are from DC,” a deputy UN Ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, posted on Twitter, referring to protests in Ukraine that addressed Russian President Viktor Yanukovich, backed by Russian in 2014.
“Some of my friends are asking if anyone will distribute crackers to the protesters to echo Victoria Nuland’s stunt,” he said, noting a 2013 visit to Ukraine when Victoria Nuland, then Assistant U.S. Secretary of State, proposed, food for protesters.
AUSTRALIA
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the scenes in Washington as “distressing.” “We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to the peaceful transfer of the Government to the newly elected administration of America’s great democratic tradition,” he posted on Twitter.
NATO
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called the violent protests in Washington “shocking scenes” and said the outcome of the US democratic election must be respected.
SPAIN
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a tweet: “I am following with concern the news coming from Capitol Hill in Washington. I trust in the strength of American democracy.
“The new @JoeBiden Presidency will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people.”
CANADA
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concern over events in Washington. “Obviously we are concerned and we are following up on a minute by minute basis,” Trudeau told Vancouver’s News 1130 radio station. “I believe that America’s democratic institutions are strong, and I hope that everything returns to normal soon.”
Champagne Francois-Philippe Champagne on Twitter: “Canada is very stunned by the situation in Washington DC. The peaceful transfer of power is fundamental to democracy – it must continue and it will. We follow developments closely and our thoughts are with the American people. ”
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta posted on Twitter: “Our thoughts are with the American people. Violence has no place in obstructing democracy. We look forward to the peaceful transformation of the political administration, which is the goal of democracy. ”
THE FINLAND
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said in a statement: “The attack on Capitol Hill in Washington DC is a very serious and worrying issue. It shows how important it is to defend democracy firmly and strongly at all times. ”
TURKEY
Turkey’s foreign ministry issued a statement expressing concern about the violence and called for a calm and common sense in urging its citizens to avoid crowds and the protest area.
FRANCE
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Twitter: “The violence against American institutions is a serious attack on democracy. I condemn it. The will and vote of the American people must be respected. ”
THE EUROPEAN UNION
Charles Michel, chairman of EU leaders, on Twitter expressed his shock at the sights in Washington. “US Congress is a temple of democracy… We trust the US to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to @JoeBiden”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. The peaceful transfer of power is at its core. @JoeBiden won the election. I look forward to working with him as the next President of the USA. ”
VENEZUELA
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted: “Venezuela expresses its concern at the violent events happening in the city of Washington, USA; condemns the political polarization and hopes that the American people will open a new path toward stability and social justice. ”
NORWAY
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg posted on Twitter: “This is an unacceptable attack on US democracy. President Trump is responsible for stopping this. Scary images, and unbelievable that this is happening in the US. ”
IRELAND
Ireland’s foreign minister, Simon Coveney, called the scenes in Washington a “deliberate attack on Democracy by a sitting President and his supporters, seeking to overturn a free and fair election! The world is watching! We hope to restore silence. ”
ARGENTINA
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez tweeted: “We express our condemnation of the serious acts of violence and opposition to Congress that took place today in Washington DC. We trust that there will be a peaceful transition that respects the popular will and expresses our strongest support for President-elect Joe Biden. ”(Reuters)