Venezuelan president proclaims March 9 "Anti-Imperialism Day"

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Tuesday announced March 9 a "Bolivarian Anti-Imperialism Day," a tit for tat to U.S. President Barack Obama's executive order that declared Venezuela a security threat to Washington.

"We will never forget that day and every March 9 starting next year we will be commemorating the Bolivarian Anti-Imperialism Day," said Maduro in his weekly television program.

Maduro said "millions in the world now demand Mr. Obama to repeal that erratic executive order against our peaceful nation."

He reiterated Caracas' will to start political talks with Washington based on mutual respect to both sovereignty and independence.

Bilateral ties have deteriorated over the last few months as Maduro has accused the United States of working with local opposition to stage a coup to topple him, an accusation that was called by Washington as "ridiculous."

The two nations have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010 although they maintain stable commercial relations.

Maduro also said that over 6.2 million signatures have been collected for a petition demanding Obama to repeal his executive order on Venezuela. Maduro launched a petition drive, with a goal of rounding up 10 million signatures.

He said the signature campaign has "revived" the patriotism of millions of Venezuelans around the world to "defend their homeland" from foreign meddling and threats.

"Never has Venezuela received such support worldwide for a single cause," he added.

The campaign will last until April 9, a day before the Organization of American States Summit, when Obama is set to meet with all the region's presidents including Maduro. Endi