Venezuela has declared it will be closing its embassy in Oslo, Norway. This decision comes only days after opposition leader María Corina Machado was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. The Venezuelan government stated that this move is part of a broader restructuring of its diplomatic services, without directly referencing Machado’s award.
Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the closure, noting that Caracas provided no specific reason for the decision. The ministry expressed its regret, emphasizing that while Norway and Venezuela may have differences, it remains committed to maintaining open dialogue with the South American nation.
The Nobel Committee in Oslo recognized Machado, 58, for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela.” Her win has been met with sharp criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who referred to her as a “demonic witch.” This award comes amidst a challenging political and economic climate in Venezuela, with many international bodies viewing Maduro’s leadership as illegitimate.
Machado, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, has been campaigning against Maduro’s government for years and has often been forced to operate in hiding. Nobel committee chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes described her as a “key, unifying figure” in an opposition that was once fractured, highlighting her role in advocating for democracy in a nation grappling with a severe humanitarian and economic crisis.
Machado herself described the Nobel Prize as an “injection” of energy and hope for the Venezuelan people, signifying they are not alone in their struggle. The embassy closure in Norway is part of a wider diplomatic shift by Venezuela, which has also shut down its embassy in Australia and opened new missions in Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso, branding them “strategic partners” against “hegemonic pressures.”
This diplomatic reshuffling occurs during a period of heightened tension between Venezuela and the United States, following U.S. military actions against suspected drug trafficking vessels originating from Venezuela.