ISTANBUL

The EU and Germany welcomed on Wednesday South Korea's decision to lift emergency martial law.

"The European Union welcomes the lifting of the emergency martial law after the National Assembly voted to reject it," the European External Action Service said in a brief statement.

"We reaffirm our close strategic partnership with the Republic of Korea, grounded in common interests and the shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

The German Foreign Ministry said for democracy to prevail, political disputes need to be settled according to the constitution and the rule of law.

"Last night’s events in #SouthKorea highlight the importance of stable, democratic institutions, and checks & balances. We welcome the lifting of the #MartialLaw," read the ministry's post on X.

Earlier, the ministry had said it was following the developments "closely and with great concern" and that democracy "must prevail."

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an unscheduled national broadcast late on Tuesday, saying he needed to purge South Korea of “anti-state forces” and sympathizers of North Korea. But he backed down hours later, lifting the order after it was rejected by the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

Many other countries, including the US and UK, had also expressed concerns over the developing situation.