Venezuela collects over 8 mn signatures against US decree

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said over 8 million people have signed a petition against a US decree that labels the South American country a national security threat.

On March 9, Obama signed a decree stating "the situation in Venezuela...constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the US and I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with the threat", Xinhua reported on Monday.

"Thanks to the entire country, we are towards the victory of peace," Maduro tweeted on Sunday.

Maduro designated March 9 as 'Bolivarian Anti-Imperialism Day'.

Venezuelan officials said the drive has collected signatures from many people outside Venezuela, and has also gained the support of several regional organisations.

Venezuela-US ties have deteriorated over the last few months. Maduro accused Washington of working with local opposition to stage a coup to topple him, but the US called the accusation "ridiculous".

Maduro said the signatures will be delivered to Obama during the Organisation of American States (OAS) Summit slated to be held on April 10 to 11 in Panama.