Venezuela Closes Oslo Embassy Amid Nobel Prize Fallout for Opposition Leader

Venezuela to Close Embassy in Norway After Opposition Leader Wins Nobel Prize OSLO, NORWAY - The Venezuelan government announced on Monday that it will close its embassy in Oslo, Norway, just days after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the Norwegian capital. The decision comes as a surprise, with no official reason given by the Venezuelan embassy for shutting down operations. However, sources close to the matter suggest that the move may be linked to the recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Machado, who has been a vocal critic of Venezuela's government. "We are disappointed but not surprised," said a Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson. "Despite our differences on several issues, Norway wishes to keep the dialogue open with Venezuela and will continue to work in this direction." The spokesperson added that the ministry had not received any formal notification from the Venezuelan embassy regarding the closure, but confirmed that the decision was made on Monday. Machado's Nobel Peace Prize win has sparked a mix of reactions globally. While some have hailed her as a champion for democracy and human rights, others have criticized the award, citing Machado's past involvement in anti-government protests. The background to this development is complex. Venezuela and Norway have had strained relations in recent years, with the Venezuelan government accusing Norway of meddling in its internal affairs. However, Norway has maintained that it seeks to promote dialogue and peaceful resolution between the two countries. International observers have expressed concern over the closure of the embassy, citing the potential impact on diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Venezuela. "This decision is a setback for those who advocate for peace and stability in Venezuela," said a spokesperson for the European Union. "We urge both parties to continue engaging in dialogue and working towards a peaceful resolution." The current status of the Venezuelan embassy's closure remains unclear, with no official statement from the Venezuelan government regarding next steps. In related news, Norway has announced that it will maintain its diplomatic presence in Venezuela, despite the closure of the Norwegian embassy. The two countries have agreed to continue engaging in dialogue and working towards a peaceful resolution. The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony took place on October 10 at Oslo's City Hall, with Machado receiving the award for her efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*