The Venezuelan government has announced that it will close its embassy in Oslo just days after opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. In a publicly released statement, the government refrained from linking the embassy closure to Machado's honor, indicating that the move is simply part of a larger restructuring of its foreign service.
The Norwegian foreign ministry confirmed the closure, though they did not provide a distinct reason for the decision. This backdrop comes after the Nobel Committee recognized Machado for her relentless efforts in promoting democratic rights for the citizens of Venezuela. In stark contrast, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro labeled Machado as a demonic witch in his response to her receiving the award.
The Norwegian government expressed disappointment at the decision to close the embassy, emphasizing their desire to maintain open lines of dialogue despite the evident political tensions. A spokesperson stated, Norway wishes to keep the dialogue open with Venezuela and will continue to work in this direction, adding that the Nobel Prize decision is independent of governmental influence.
Machado has been a vocal critic of Maduro's regime, which is often viewed as authoritarian, amid a humanitarian and economic crisis affecting the nation. Notably, recent events have seen Caracas also close its embassy in Australia while opening new ones in Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso as part of its strategy against perceived hegemonic pressures.
In recognition of Machado’s political impact, Nobel Chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes praised her as a key, unifying figure in a political opposition that has struggled against intimidation in an authoritarian state.
Machado expressed that the Nobel award serves as a vital source of hope and energy for her political movement and the Venezuelan people, illustrating their resilience. She described the recognition as an 'injection' of morale for her supporters, reaffirming the sentiment that they are not alone in their struggle.
The closure of embassies within close US allies expands tensions as the US government carries out military strikes aimed at alleged drug vessels from Venezuela, which have resulted in substantial casualties, further complicating international relations.
The last diplomatic issue linked to a Nobel Peace Prize occurred with China in 2010, triggering significant backlash and years before relations were normalized again.
