Aftermath of Nobel Peace Prize? Venezuela Suddenly Closes Embassies in Norway and Australia

Sudden Decision to Close Embassy in Norway
Move Seen as Retaliation for Nobel Peace Prize Award

The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolas Maduro, has suddenly decided to close its embassy in Norway. This decision came just three days after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was announced as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. On October 14, Yonhap News reported that the Venezuelan government had decided to close both its embassy in Norway and its embassy in Australia.

The Venezuelan government led by President Nicolas Maduro suddenly decided to close the Norwegian Embassy. This decision came three days after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was announced as the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Reuters Yonhap News

On the same day, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil issued a statement on the official social media account of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying, "Our government will implement adjustments and redeployments to optimize the nation's resources and redefine our national presence and strategy in the diplomatic field." He added that, going forward, relations with both countries and consular services for Venezuelan nationals in these countries would be handled through "concurrent diplomatic missions."

In response to this announcement, Norwegian diplomatic authorities told AFP that they had received notification from the Venezuelan side about the withdrawal of the Venezuelan Embassy in Oslo, adding, "No reason was given for the decision." Reuters highlighted the timing of the move, noting, "This decision comes just days after opposition leader Machado was selected as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her fight for democracy in the South American country."

Meanwhile, some observers suggest that the closure of the embassies in Norway and Australia may be part of a broader move targeting the United States. The United States has recently heightened military tensions in the region surrounding Venezuela. In particular, the U.S. military has deployed nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines and Aegis destroyers to the Caribbean Sea and has prepared F-35 fighter jets for rapid deployment in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory adjacent to Venezuela. In recent weeks, the U.S. has also attacked vessels it claims are "drug trafficking boats operated by Venezuela-based cartels," resulting in more than 20 deaths. By selectively closing embassies in U.S. allied countries, Venezuela is seen as expressing its dissatisfaction in an indirect manner.

Who is Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate?

Machado, this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is a figure who has led the anti-dictatorship struggle within Venezuela's democratic opposition for over 20 years, opposing the Venezuelan government that followed the late former President Hugo Chavez (in office from 1999 to 2013). Venezuela, currently under President Maduro's rule since 2013, has continued down a path of dictatorship, facing virtually no checks and balances due to allegations of election fraud.

Machado, this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is a figure who has led the anti-dictatorship struggle within Venezuela's democratic opposition for over 20 years, opposing the Venezuelan government that followed the late former President Hugo Chavez (in office from 1999 to 2013). Photo by AP Yonhap News

Last year, Machado enjoyed overwhelming support in various polls ahead of the presidential election, raising hopes for a change in government. However, she was barred from running due to the pro-government electoral commission and the Supreme Court stripping her of her eligibility. For President Maduro, Machado is his greatest political rival. During Maduro's tenure, Machado has faced death threats from pro-government forces. Despite recommendations from those around her to leave Venezuela for her safety, she is reportedly still in hiding within the country.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.