World Leaders condemn violent scenes in United States

World Leaders have condemned violent scenes in the United States after supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building in Washington DC. The incident left four people dead. A state of emergency has been declared for 15 days in the US Capital.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres 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.

 

In a tweet, United Nation General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir has said that he believes that peace and respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is distressed to see the news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. He said, orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue and the democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.

 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson termed the scenes in US Congress as disgraceful. He said that the United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital



that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

 

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, her thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as they are by the events of the day. The Prime Minister said, she has no doubt democracy will prevail.

 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour.

The riot forced the suspension of a joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden's electoral victory for few hours. However, later the US Congress certified Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election. The certification has cleared the way for Mr Biden to be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on 20th of this month.

 

Vice-President Mike Pence, who as President of the Senate oversaw the certification process, confirmed to Congress that, of the 538 electoral college votes cast, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris received 306 while Donald Trump and Mike Pence received 232 - mirroring the results of November's election.