India, Jan. 8 -- Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday rejected US allegations of narcotics trafficking, democratic backsliding and human rights abuses, calling them "falsehoods" used to justify external pressure on the country, media reports said.

She said Washington DC's actions were driven primarily by its interest in Venezuela's vast energy resources.

Speaking during a live broadcast on state television VTV, Rodriguez said the accusations leveled by the United States were merely a pretext.

Despite the sharp criticism, Rodriguez said Venezuela remained open to energy cooperation, provided it was based on mutual benefit and clearly defined commercial terms.

Rodriguez also acknowledged a deep rupture in bilateral ...