Brazil's 3 gov't branches issue statement upholding democracy

BRASILIA - Brazil's three branches of government issued a joint statement on Monday, expressing unity and calling on society to "remain calm in defense of peace and democracy".

The statement was released following a meeting in the capital Brasilia between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chamber of Deputies president Arthur Lira, Senate interim president Veneziano Vital do Rego and Federal Supreme Court president Rosa Weber.

The move aimed to uphold democratic processes after supporters of the former president, Jair Bolsonaro, attacked and vandalized Planalto Palace, the presidential headquarters, as well as the seats of Congress and the Supreme Court.

"The powers of the republic, defenders of democracy and the 1988 Constitutional Charter, reject the acts of terrorism, vandalism, crime and coup that took place yesterday afternoon (Sunday) in Brasilia," the statement said.

"We are united so that institutional measures are taken in keeping with Brazilian legislation. We call on society to remain calm in defense of peace and democracy in our homeland," it added.

"The country needs normality, respect and work for the nation's progress and social justice," the statement concluded.