Rousseff ‘legitimate’ head of Brazil: regional bloc

Reaction to Dilma Rousseff's removal as President of Brazil was swift and strong following the Senate vote for impeachment.

Ernesto Samper, the head of the Union of South American Nations, or UNASUR, said Rousseff remains "the legitimate leader" of the

Brazilian people and she maintains "democratic legitimacy" by virtue of having been reelected in 2014.

During a press conference Thursday, Samper indicated that he fears instability in Brazil may "move the region in a dangerous manner".

The executive reiterated that there are no complaints on the conduct of Brazilian President and added that the "administrative charges" appointed against her do not justify "an impeachment as it has started."

Regional leaders Venezuela, Cuba and Paraguay expressed similar sentiments. In Bolivia, President Evo Morales expressed “indignation” at Rousseff's removal.

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon urged "calm and dialogue,” according to his spokesman.

Ban hopes Brazilian authorities will honor the democratic processes, in compliance with the rule of law and the Constitution, he said.

Following the vote, Sao Paulo stock market, Bovespa, rallied, gaining more than 1 percent.

Rousseff is accused of violating fiscal rules to hide a budget deficit ahead of the 2014 presidential elections.

She has dissolved her Cabinet and Vice President Michel Temer, who is under investigation for corruption, has assumed the position as the country's leader.