HAVANA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United States is seeking to reclaim lost ground in Latin America, several Latin American experts said here Tuesday.
The experts made the remarks here on the sidelines of the 4th International Conference for the Balance of the World, an event that brings together more than 600 intellectuals, academics, students and social leaders from 62 countries.
Hugo Moldiz, a renowned Bolivian researcher, told Xinhua that the White House has targeted left-wing progressive governments in the continent to implement the Monroe Doctrine, a 19th century strategy to rule the region for Washington's political and economic purposes.
"The U.S. has encouraged new forms of coups d'etat," and the focus today is on Venezuela, said the expert, listing Nicaragua, Cuba and Bolivia as possible next targets by Washington.
"The U.S. has applied a continued coup against Venezuela and in the last week intensified their attacks with sanctions and supporting a self-proclaimed leader," said Adan Chavez, vice president of International Affairs of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
"They want to convince the public that Maduro is a dictator and even threaten with a direct military intervention," he added.
According to Chavez, Venezuela's natural resources and its leading role in promoting Latin American integration have made the White House determined to topple Maduro's government.
"Despite all threats, the government continues to take measures to protect the people while our followers are also on the streets peacefully demonstrating their support for Maduro and the Bolivarian Revolution," said the official.
Brazilian journalist and political analyst Beto Almeida considered Washington's recent actions against Venezuela as part of a process to diminish the role of diplomacy, dialogue and international law.
"Their main purpose is not only to take over Venezuela but to disperse left-wing social and political movements in the continent and destroy all social benefits achieved in the last two decades," he said.
Despite an increase in discrimination against minorities, racism, unilateralism and protectionism which "pollute" humanity today, there are still "reasons to fight," said prominent Cuban expert Abel Prieto.
"Regardless of all the dangers, diverse representation of all continents of the world came to Cuba to exchange ideas and to find ways to defend peace, tolerance, coexistence and the environment in a more balanced world," he said.
