The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, María Corina Machado, managed to leave Venezuela and reach Oslo, as confirmed by several sources close to her to EL ESPAÑOL.
The Nobel Foundation itself reported that the Venezuelan democratic leader “has done everything in her power to come to today’s ceremony,” although she was ultimately unable to attend the event.
According to those around him, who prefer not to give an account of the reasons why Machado was not present at the official ceremony to collect his award, the departure from Venezuela has occurred “in a situation of extreme danger”.
The person in charge of reading her speech was one of her three daughters with Ricardo Sosa Branger, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, who received the award in her name.
During the ceremony, the president of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, urged the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, to accept the 2024 election results and resign from his position to lay the foundations for a “democracy” in the country.
The Venezuelan opposition leader, in a telephone conversation from an unknown location with the Nobel Institute, simultaneously warned that she was “on her way” to Oslo. Furthermore, Machado reiterated his gratitude to the Nobel Committee for the “immense recognition” of the struggle of the Venezuelan people for democracy and freedom.
“Nos We feel very excited and honored. That’s why I’m sad and very sorry to tell you that I won’t be able to make it to the ceremony on time, but I’ll be in Oslo and I’m on my way to Oslo right now,” Machado said in a phone call with the president of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes.
Machado said he is aware that there are “hundreds of Venezuelans” from different parts of the world who were able to come to the Norwegian capital, as well as her own family, her team and many colleagues. The former deputy added that, “as this is an award for all Venezuelans,” they were going to receive it.
“As soon as I arrive, I will be able to hug my entire family and my children, whom I have not seen in two years. And so many Venezuelans and Norwegians that I know and who share our struggle and our effort. So thank you very much and we will see you very soon,” she said, somewhat hurriedly, as she boarded a plane to arrive in Oslo.
Two years in hiding
María Corina Machado has been living underground for almost two years, persecuted by the tyrannical regime of Nicolás Maduro.
“We are optimistic about her presence in the rest of the day’s agenda,” said one of the people closest to the opposition leader. In the afternoon, after the official ceremony, it was organized a torchlight march through the streets of the capital of Norway. “It is possible that we will have her there.”
“I think it’s an extraordinarily intelligent move, loaded with strength and symbolism“said another source, pointing out the metaphor between the political persecution of Machado in his country and his absence, perhaps “for security reasons,” at the ceremony. “She doesn’t pick it up, but it goes with her words”he added.
The Nobel Foundation confirms that, although he did not arrive at the ceremony, they were “deeply happy to confirm that he is safe” and that he will be with them “in Oslo.”