Maduro asks for decree powers to counter U.S. sanctions

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday night requested special decree powers to "defend the peace, sovereignty and development" of the South American nation in confrontation with what he called "imperialist aggressions" from the United States.

At a special session of the National Assembly, Maduro said the "emergency" request was prompted by a "complex international scenario" after Washington said Caracas was a "threat" to its foreign policy and national security.

"No one will believe Venezuela is a threat to the United States because we're a country of noble people and peaceful vocation," said the president.

Maduro said this legislation will allow him to "confront the threat and aggression of the biggest military power in the world" and respond in a "timely manner" to any other U.S. political maneuver.

"I've come to ask for special decree powers to protect our right to live in peace and a democratic country and defend our homeland against the threat Washington imposes on us," he said.

Maduro added that the U.S. government "has already written up" executive orders to "impose embargo on Venezuela's economy, finance, commerce and energy."

Maduro said the United States wants to sanction his country "with a similar embargo on Cuba in the 1960s which includes a naval blockade of our shores."

The president called for "national unity" to stop the U.S. threat regardless of political affiliation.

As commander in chief, Maduro also ordered the armed forces to conduct next Saturday a "special military drill" to prepare against "any aggression from the United States".

On Monday, U.S. President Barack Obama issued an executive order to impose additional sanctions on Venezuelan officials over human rights abuses and corruption.

The order also declared a "state of emergency" as the situation in Venezuela constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.

This is the third group of sanctions Washington imposes on Caracas' officials in less than four months.

On Feb. 28, Maduro announced various measures including a reduction of staff at the U.S.embassy in Caracas, a new visa system for American tourists and an entry ban on several top U.S. politicians.

Washington said last week it would respond to these measures through diplomatic channels.

Commercial ties between Venezuela and the United States, however, have been largely unaffected by political tensions, which have occurred frequently since late president Hugo Chavez took power.

The United States is Venezuela's top trading partner, and Caracas in 2014 remained the fourth-largest supplier of oil to the United States at an average of 733,000 barrels per day. Endi