Trump Condemns Riots, Commits To Smooth Transition of Power Amid Calls for His Removal: World Brief

President Donald Trump, in a video message on Thursday night, condemned the storming of the U.S. Capitol -- which occurred after he urged his angry supporters to take action -- and said he would prepare for the administration of President-elect Joe Biden.

“The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy,” Trump said of the violence, which left several people dead. “To those who engage in the acts of violence and destruction: you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law: you will pay.”

The video followed a wave of resignations from his administration and calls from top congressional Democrats, former White House aides, business leaders, and even the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal for Trump’s removal from office over his role in inciting the insurrection. Members of Congress have also discussed impeachment.

Before throngs of his supporters marched on the Capitol, overwhelmed police barricades and broke into the building, Trump, in a fiery address at midday Wednesday, exhorted them to “stop the steal” and make a stand for his presidency. In egging on the mob, he repeated false claims of voter fraud even as both houses of Congress were preparing to certify Biden’s victory in the Electoral College vote.

But on Thursday Trump called for “healing and reconciliation” and said he would turn his focus to the transition, in a message that appeared designed to quell growing alarm among even his closest allies and aides.

“A new administration will be inaugurated on Jan. 20th,” Trump said. “My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power.” FULL STORY

JAPAN: A state of emergency went into effect on Friday in the Japanese capital of Tokyo as well as three nearby areas as coronavirus cases continue to surge. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga issued the declaration at the government task force for the coronavirus yesterday. The state of emergency will last until Feb. 7, and centers around asking restaurants and bars to close at 8pm and people to stay home and not mingle in crowds.The declaration carries no penalties but it works as a strong request while Japan juggles to keep its economy going.

BRAZIL: Brazil’s coronavirus death toll passed 200,000 as the respiratory disease again pummels the Latin American country and a nationwide vaccination plan remains weeks away at best.

Brazil’s Health Ministry reported 1,524 deaths, the highest number since July 29, bringing the total to 200,498, second only to the U.S. The country also added 87,843 cases in the past 24 hours, a record, pushing the total to 7,961,673, according to Ministry data. FULL STORY

GHANA: A group of military officers burst onto the floor of Ghana's parliament overnight after an apparent dispute between ruling and opposition party lawmakers ahead of Thursday's swearing-in ceremony of the president of the country and the new spokesperson of parliament.

It was not immediately known who ordered them to enter, but their presence stalled work for a while. Legislators later walked the soldiers out. The development followed a December election that tested the West African nation’s reputation as one of the continent’s most politically stable countries. President Nana Akufo-Addo was being sworn in for a second term Thursday after winning 51.3% of the votes.

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