Political, business and trade union leaders condemned Thursday "meddling" by Venezuelan chargé d'affaires Azael Valero, who criticized presidential candidate Jorge Quiroga and supported Evo Morales, AP reported.

Even Morales' own political party viewed as Valero's remarks as unacceptable and refused any foreign interference.

"For the fourth time, President Hugo Chávez meddles into Bolivian domestic affairs," Quiroga regretted.

"We have always refused any interference from any embassy; we have always criticized meddling by the US embassy. Accordingly, we do reject interference by the Venezuelan chargé d'affaires," Álvaro García Linera, candidate running for Vice-President under Morales' party, said.

"We will ensure defense of sovereignty against any interventionist move from any foreign country;" García Linera stated during a press conference. The day before, Valero had labeled Jorge Quiroga as a messenger of multinationals.