UN, European officials express concern over Washington events
SANAA, Jan. 7 (YPA) – The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and a number of European officials expressed shock at the news from Washington, stressing the need for restraint and respect for the law in the country.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “saddened” by the events at the U.S. 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.
European Council President Charles Michel said he trusted the US “to ensure a peaceful transfer of power” to Mr Biden, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she looked forward to working with the Democrat.
“The US Congress is a temple of democracy. To witness tonight’s scenes in Washington DC is a shock. We trust the US to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to Joe Biden,” European Council President Charles Michel tweeted.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen professed faith “in the strength of US institutions and democracy” and said she looked forward to working with Biden.
The EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell strongly condemned the riots, saying “This is not America.”
“In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege,” Borrell tweeted, saying the November election results must be respected. “This is an unseen assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law. This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described the images as “shocking,” adding: “The outcome of this democratic election must be respected.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described the protests in Washington as “appalling.”
According to the US Constitution, Congress was supposed to approve today the results of the November presidential election, in which Democratic candidate Joe Biden won.
US President Donald Trump did not recognize the result because of the many violations that occurred during the election.
E.M