La Paz, March 21 (RHC) -- 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.

Earlier 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 have been killed and 400 others injured in several weeks of violent protests and attacks on government institutions by right wing groups in the Venezuelan capital Caracas and other cities.