Latin America and Caribbean No Longer US Backyard: Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned the United States that Latin American and the Caribbean are no longer its "backyard."

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Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zajarova said the region has tired of the United State's attempt to control its people by political, social or military force.

"The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have long ceased to be the U.S. backyard," Zajarova said.

In addition, she said the region has had many opportunities to "put Washington in its place on the inappropriateness of its conduct regarding Latin America," urging the United States to respect international law and the sovereignty of nations, in order to "avoid conflicts."

"Each state has its objectives, but we should start from common game rules and, at the same time, respect national interests," she said.

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"All actors must respect international law instead of ignoring it and proclaiming themselves special states, this is the only way of preserving our own interests, and interacting and avoiding conflicts," Zajarova added.

The Russian official said development in the region in economics, politics, and science has shown "such potential that they can't be treated as if an older brother were addressing other members of the lesser developed family."

Russia recently said it hopes countries around the world "refrain from the policy of pressure and sanctions" against countries in the region such as is being done in Venezuela, calling the attempts "counterproductive."