John Kerry wants the EU to respect the Brexit vote

He addressed the vote at the European Commission on Monday

(John Thys/Getty)

Secretary of State John Kerry says that Brussels shouldn’t seek revenge after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

He spoke with EU High Representative Federica Mog on Monday saying the vote to leave the EU should be respected since it was made in a democratic process.

“The vote did not come out the way President Obama, I, and others hoped that it would but that’s democracy, and we respect the rights of the voters and the process,” Kerry said in the joint press conference at the European Commission.

He called for leaders to implement the will of the people and be “sensitive and thoughtful and strategic.”

“The United States cares about a strong EU,” Kerry said, adding that the countries work together on solutions to climate change, counterterrorism and immigration. “At the same time, the US will maintain its special and strong relationship with Great Britain.”