UN chief denounces Trump call for ban on Muslims entering US

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - A U.N. spokesman says Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly opposes Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's call for a ban on Muslims entering the United States

Farhan Haq said Ban has repeatedly spoken out against all forms of xenophobia and statements against migrants, racial or religious groups "and that would certainly apply in this case."

While political campaigns have their own dynamics, Haq said, "we do not believe that any kind of rhetoric that relies on Islamaphobia, xenophobia, any other appeal to hate any groups, really should be followed by anyone."

Trump has defended his call Monday for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States," which has sparked widespread condemnation in the U.S. and abroad.