Bolivian President Evo Morales on Thursday urged the United States to respect Venezuela's democracy and its democratically-elected President Nicolas Maduro.

"The United States must respect the president of Venezuela, respect democracy and respect all the (political) stances that exist in Latin America and the Caribbean," Morales said at a meeting with a group of five U.S. legislators, who are on a visit to Bolivia.

He said he would like to convey the message through the congressmen to the U.S. government, which accuses the Venezuelan government of repressing political opposition.

On Wednesday, Morales denounced Washington for attempting to finance extreme right-wing groups in Venezuela to foment protest and destabilize Maduro's government.

He called on Latin American leaders to prevent U.S. interference in Venezuela, saying the United States "is preparing a military intervention" to back the violent anti-government protests in an attempt to take over its oil.

At least 28 people died and 400 others were injured in the violent protests breaking out on Feb. 4 in San Cristobal in western Venezuela, which later spread to capital Caracas and several other cities.

Calling the protests "alarming," the White House has been seeking international sanctions against the Venezuelan government. Endi

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