Political leaders from Canada, Belgium, England and other countries called for calm while assessing the crowd of protesters who were seen storming the Capitol on Wednesday to protest the results of the presidential election.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Justin Pierre James TrudeauOn the anniversary of Flight 752 shot down, it’s time to hold Iran accountable. Can we learn how Canada manages its foreign workers? Canada authorizes Modern vaccine COVID-19 MORE tweeted that his nation was “deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States”. Violence, said Trudeau, “will never be able to nullify the will of the people.”
“Democracy in the United States must be maintained – and it will be,” he continued.
Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest and closest ally. Violence will never be able to nullify the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be maintained – and it will be.
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 6, 2021
Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès said she was “following closely what is happening in Washington” and called the images of Wednesday’s violent demonstrations “shocking”.
“They show the extent of the job of President-elect Biden, which will be to unite American society around a common project. We trust him to do this, ”she continued, while saying that the images“ hurt our democratic ideals ”.
Keeping a close eye on what’s happening in Washington DC. These images are shocking, also because they hurt our democratic ideals. They show the extent of President Biden’s task, which will be to unite American society around a common project. We trust him to do that.
– Sophie Wilmès (@Sophie_Wilmes) January 6, 2021
“Shameful scenes in the US Congress,” tweeted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. “The United States represents democracy around the world and it is now vital that there is a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”
Shameful scenes in the US Congress. The United States represents democracy around the world and it is now vital that there is a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
– Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021
In statements seen by the BBC, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said it invited “all parts” of the country to show “restraint and common sense”, while the Venezuelan government said, with the “unfortunate episode” seen on Wednesday, the States United “suffers the same as it generated in other countries with its policies of aggression”.
“Like so many others, I have been watching what is happening in the United States. I share the feeling of friends in the United States – what’s going on is wrong, ”said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tweeted.
“Democracy – the right of people to exercise a vote, to have their voice heard and then to have that decision maintained peacefully, should never be overturned by a crowd. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are with today’s events. I have no doubt that democracy will prevail, ”she continued.
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described Wednesday’s Capitol events as “mob violence”, which he said was “the culmination of Trump’s sustained attack on American democracy”.
Turnbull also wrote on twitter that “supporters of the president in the Republican Party and in the media should reflect on what they have made possible”.
President of Ecuador, Lenín Moreno said the nation rejects “the acts of violence perpetrated” in Washington and added that, in a democracy, “recognition of the will of the citizens is imperative”.
“An attack on the Capitol is an attack on democracy. We are witnessing disturbing scenes of violence in Washington DC. Freedom, democracy and decency must be respected, ”Prime Minister of Iceland, Katrín Jakobsdóttir tweeted.
The President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, said the scenes on Capitol Hill on Wednesday were “deeply worrying” and that “Democratic votes must be respected”.
“We are certain that the United States will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected,” he added.
Deeply about the US Capitol scenes tonight. Democratic votes must be respected. We are certain that the United States will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected.
– David Sassoli (@EP_President) January 6, 2021
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed his opinion on the Capitol rebellion in a statement obtained by the BBC, expressing hope that the “new presidency of Joe Biden
Joe BidenThe memo: Georgia voters strike a blow to Trump’s victory Warnock puts Democrats within the reach of the Senate majority Eric Trump warns of primary challenges for Republicans who are not opposed to election results MORE will overcome this tense phase, uniting the American people. “
“I have confidence in the strength of America’s democracy,” he added.
Thousands of Trump supporters gathered in the District this week to protest the results of the November elections as Congress prepared to certify the Electoral College vote.
The capitol was put on lockdown on Wednesday as demonstrations outside became more violent and protesters invaded the building’s grounds, some clashing with local police.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department said it arrested at least 13 people on Wednesday amid the riots. A woman was also pronounced dead on Wednesday after being shot in the chest during the riot.
Lawmakers on both sides of the corridor condemned the violence.
Trump also accessed Twitter to urge his supporters to be at peace and leave Capitol in a video. But he also promoted contested allegations about the election in the clip, which social media companies enacted restrictions shortly thereafter to avoid inciting further violence.
Updated: 21h30