CARACAS, March 9 (Xinhuanet) -- The Venezuelan government said in a statement on Thursday that the United States lacked the authority to judge other countries on human rights records.

    The statement was made after the U.S. State Department issued a human rights report criticizing Venezuela.

    "Venezuela does not recognize any authority, neither from the U.S. nor anyone else, to interfere in its internal affairs," the country's ministry of communication said.

    The ministry said the report merely restated false accusations published by the opposition via its tame broadcasting companies, which assisted coup plotters in their failed attempt to unseat the government in 2002, when businessman Carmona Estanga took power and dismissed the government.

    "At least Venezuela does not invade other nations, impose economic blockades, organize and fund torture centers, organize and fund coups or kidnap presidents," the statement said.

    "We are free of all suspicion of running secret jails, or of having any kind of link, despite our geographical proximity, to the infamous torture camp and prison in Guantanamo," the statement added. Enditem