United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was saddened by Wednesday's violence and chaos in Washington, D.C. as U.S. Congress was certifying electoral votes for last year's presidential election, said his spokesman.

"The secretary-general is saddened by the events at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. 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," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a note to correspondents.