Roundup: Top LatAm leaders reject Obama's executive order against Venezuela

Top leaders of several Latin American countries on Saturday rejected U.S. President Barack Obama's renewed executive order that declares Venezuela as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to his country.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said that the executive order was a measure that sought to hinder dialogues proposed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro so that the opposition could take control of the country.

"They (the opposition) are underestimating the (Venezuelan) people and the strength of the Bolivarian Revolution. The (U.S.) empire is also underestimating as well as all those that are playing with conspiracies in Venezuela," Ortega told a ceremony for the anniversary of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's death.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, also voiced his objection on Saturday to the decree. He asked the United States to "remove this senseless executive order," because it only undermines the region's peace and unity.

Bolivian President Evo Morales vowed to fight alongside Venezuela.

"Bolivia is Simon Bolivar's favorite daughter and therefore we will never abandon Venezuela. We will stay together to continue freeing our people," said Morales.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez also rejected Obama's decree, saying that the Latin American people have built a free, sovereign and independent homeland.

"It was rejected by the Venezuelans. With over 13 million signatures we say that they (the U.S.) can't crush us with imperial forces. Here we are still joined by international solidarity and we believe in fulfilling public international rights," said Rodriguez. Endi