Trump told Pinera he backs meetings cancellation, efforts to ‘restore national order’ in Chile: White House

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump called Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Wednesday to express his support for Chile’s decision to call off two major international meetings and decried alleged foreign interference in Chile, the White House said in a statement on Thursday.

“The United States stands with Chile, an important ally, as it works to peacefully restore national order,” the White House said. “President Trump denounced foreign efforts to undermine Chilean institutions, democracy, or society.

Chile abruptly canceled the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting scheduled for next month and the United Nations climate conference that was expected to follow on Wednesday, citing political protests that have rocked the country for weeks.