Caracas, March 10 (RHC) -– Venezuela’s president has strongly criticized U.S. Vice President Joe Biden for his recent remarks on the situation in the South American country.

The rebuke by Nicolas Maduro came after Biden said on Sunday that the situation in Venezuela is “alarming” and accused Maduro’s government of using “armed vigilantes” against anti-government protesters.

Maduro said Biden’s remarks are indicative of Washington’s frustration over its defeat in the Organization of American States, the OAS.

On March 8th, the U.S.-based organization offered its full backing to the Venezuelan government’s peace initiative and the continuation of a “national dialogue” in Venezuela.

Twenty nine states voted in favor of the declaration and only three member countries -- the United States, Canada and Panama -- opposed the measure. Maduro said: “We reject Washington’s aggression. They were defeated in the OAS and now they want revenge.”

An earlier statement by the Venezuelan government also criticized Biden's incendiary remarks saying that "the U.S. government has joined the international media conspiracy that is trying to generate a false image of war and general repression in Venezuela.”

The statement also reaffirmed that "violent sectors promoted by the most radical wing of Venezuelan Right groups" are financially supported by the U.S. government to damage democracy in the South American country.

Nevertheless, the statement added that President Maduro has shown "a clear will to resume and renew relations with the U.S. government through a direct and transparent dialogue based on mutual respect, non-intervention into one's internal affairs and cooperation."

Violent riots in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas and several other cities erupted last month and have so far claimed the lives of at least 20 people.