(VOVworld) – Many leaders and organizations in Latin America have criticized US President Barack Obama’s recent stance towards Venezuela, considering it as a premise for military interference. Earlier, US President Barack Obama has issued an executive order declaring Venezuela a national security threat, and placed sanctions on seven Venezuelan officials. In an open letter, Cuban leader Fidel Castro said the US’s decision is aggressive and confirmed Havana’s unconditional support for the Venezuelan people. Bolivian President Evo Morales condemned the US’s decision and called on the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Union of South American Nations to organize an urgent meeting to express their support for Venezuela. Meanwhile, Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, said that President Obama’s statement worried those who wished for peace and dialogue between nations.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (Photo: Press TV)

In another development, the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is asking the parliament to approve a decree power to preserve peace and fight imperialism and deal with security threats from Washington.