Venezuela collects 5 mln signatures against Obama's decree

People sign a document to show his support to Venezuelan government after the United States imposed sanctions to Venezuela, in Caracas on March 19, 2015. [Photo/IC]

CARACAS - Venezuela has collected more than 5 million signatures asking US President Barack Obama to repeal an executive order declaring the South American country a security threat.

Jorge Rodriguez, mayor of Caracas and coordinator of the initiative, said that over 5 million signatures had been collected by early Sunday morning. The Venezuelan petition is boosted by the government.

"We have collected more than 5 million signatures and we want to call the Venezuelan people to keep on going to reach 10 million," said Rodriguez in a phone interview with local television channel Venezolana de Television.

Rodriguez thanked Venezuelans for their support to the petition asking Obama to repeal the decree that labels Venezuela as a national security threat.

"Our intention is to deliver collected signatures to the President of the United States, Barack Obama, as clear evidence that the people of Venezuela reject the crude interference in our internal affairs," Rodriguez added.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro also called on the people to continue their support.

"Let us continue supporting the fatherland. Signatures are being collected at public squares and door-to-door. We have reached 5 million and we will collect 10 million," said Maduro on Twitter.

Days ago, Maduro said the signatures will be delivered to Obama during the Organization of American States (OAS) Summit, to be held on April 10 and 11 in Panama.