Asunción, June 4 (RHC)-- Former Uruguayan President José Mujica told local media outlets that pressure from Washington on the Organization of American States (OAS) is “unbearable” and that the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) is a more appropriate forum for handling the political differences within Venezuela.

Mujica, when asked about the OAS Democratic Charter, said: “I trust UNASUR more than the OAS because the pressure from the United States within the OAS is quite unbearable and there is much more that UNASUR can do.”

The OAS has long been accused by several regional governments of being overly influenced by U.S. foreign policy.  The body is based in Washington, DC, and according to a 2014 Congressional Research Service report the United States is the organization’s largest donor. In 2013 it contributed nearly $65.7 million funding, equivalent to 41 percent of the total 2013 OAS budget.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government and opposition leaders continue UNASUR-sponsored talks facilitated by former presidents Leonel Fernandez of the Dominican Republic and Martin Torrijos of Panama, along with former prime minister of Spain, Jose Luis Zapatero.

The final OAS declaration, a merger between separate proposals submitted by Argentina and Venezuela, highlighted the need for dialogue and backed mediation by UNASUR, while also affirming respect for Venezuela's sovereignty.

The motion angered the Venezuelan opposition, as did Argentina's backing of the declaration.