Venezuela announced on Monday that it would close its embassy in Oslo, just days after opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. The move has raised eyebrows, especially since Machado’s recognition was linked to her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights in Venezuela, which has been under the controversial leadership of Nicolás Maduro.
The Closure of the Embassy
In a statement, the Venezuelan government did not directly address Machado’s Nobel win but stated that the closure of the embassy in Oslo was part of a restructuring of its foreign service. Norway’s foreign ministry confirmed the closure, but offered no additional explanation. This marks a significant diplomatic shift as Norway has long been a player in international discussions on Venezuela’s political and humanitarian crisis.
María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize
On Friday, the Nobel Committee in Oslo awarded María Corina Machado the Peace Prize in recognition of her unwavering dedication to the promotion of democratic rights for the Venezuelan people. The 58-year-old opposition leader has spent years advocating against the Maduro regime, which many countries, including the US and most of Europe, view as illegitimate.
In response to her Nobel recognition, Machado called the award “an injection” for her political movement, emphasizing how it brings hope and strength to the Venezuelan people, reinforcing the idea that they are not alone in their struggle. Her work has made her a key figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement, despite the risks to her own safety, having spent much of the past year in hiding.
Maduro’s Reaction
The Venezuelan government, led by Nicolás Maduro, responded to Machado’s achievement with hostility. Maduro described Machado as a “demonic witch” in his remarks, a stark contrast to the international recognition she received. His government’s negative reaction to Machado’s award reflects the ongoing political polarization in Venezuela, with the ruling party vehemently opposing Machado’s efforts to dismantle the current regime.
Norway’s Stance
Norway’s foreign ministry expressed regret over Venezuela’s decision to close its embassy in Oslo. A spokesperson for the ministry reiterated that despite differences on several issues, Norway still aims to keep the dialogue open with Venezuela. The Norwegian government made it clear that the Nobel Peace Prize is independent of the government’s diplomatic policies, reinforcing the distinction between the state and the Nobel Committee’s decisions.
Diplomatic Fallout and Global Context
Venezuela’s move to close its embassies in Norway and Australia, while simultaneously opening new diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso, highlights its shifting foreign policy. The government of Nicolás Maduro has often labeled countries like the US and its allies as “hegemonic,” a stance that aligns with its anti-Western rhetoric and desire for alliances that challenge global powers.
The closure of the embassy in Oslo follows escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington, particularly in the aftermath of US military strikes against vessels allegedly carrying narcotics from Venezuela to the US. The strikes, which resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people, have drawn condemnation from countries including Venezuela and Colombia, with some international lawyers arguing that the strikes violated international law.
Historical Context
This is not the first time a Nobel Peace Prize has caused diplomatic tension for Norway. In 2010, after China’s government reacted strongly to the Nobel Committee’s decision to award the Peace Prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, Norway’s relations with Beijing were strained for several years. Trade and diplomatic relations were only normalized after six years, illustrating the potential long-term impacts of such international decisions.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
