Venezuela collects 3 million anti-Obama signatures, foes denounce coercion

A supporter of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro holds a placard during a protest against imperialism, in Caracas March 24, 2015. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's socialist government said on Wednesday it has collected more than three million signatures asking U.S. President Barack Obama to repeal measures declaring the South American country a security threat.

In the worst flare-up between the ideological enemies since Nicolas Maduro took power in 2013, Washington earlier this month declared a "national emergency" over "the unusual and extraordinary threat" from Venezuela and sanctioned seven officials over allegations of rights abuses and corruption.