Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado sent a powerful message to Cubans and Nicaraguans, pledging to embrace their cause for liberation once Venezuela gains its freedom.
Machado's remarks were made in Oslo during an interaction with journalists, where she underscored the political connection between the three nations under authoritarian regimes in the region.
"Let me say something about Cuba. Venezuela's fight for freedom is intricately linked to Cuba's and Nicaragua's struggles. Every Cuban, whether inside or outside Cuba, should know that once Venezuela is free, we will stand by their side to fight for their freedom too," declared Machado emphatically.
She continued, "That time will come. Venezuela will be free, Cuba will be free, and Nicaragua will be free."
The message, specifically aimed at Cubans both on the island and abroad, coincided with a period of heightened international attention for Machado, who traveled to the Norwegian capital to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Regional Call Against Repressive Regimes
Machado has utilized her platform to issue a regional call against interconnected repressive systems, insisting that the political situations in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua should be viewed collectively as part of a broader power dynamic in Latin America.
Her words carried significant weight given the circumstances under which they were spoken. The Venezuelan leader recently emerged from a 16-month period in hiding, having evaded an arrest warrant issued by the Maduro regime.
Diplomatic sources revealed to The Wall Street Journal that her exit from Venezuela was orchestrated through a secret operation supported by the United States. According to the report, Machado left Venezuela by boat from the western coast to Curaçao, from where she boarded a private plane to Oslo, with a technical stop in Bangor, Maine.
Despite the operation's success, she could not attend the official Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in time, and her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the prize on her behalf. The Nobel Committee acknowledged that her journey to Norway was "more complicated than anticipated" due to threats against her life.
An International Stage for Advocacy
In Oslo, Machado was met with cheers, hugs, and supportive chants of "Freedom for Venezuela!" from her sympathizers. She has seized this international spotlight not only to condemn the repression and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela but also to extend her message to other countries in the region.
Throughout her speeches, she reiterated that Venezuela's struggle is not confined to internal change but has broader implications for other nations living under authoritarian rule, such as Cuba and Nicaragua.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded to Machado's presence in Oslo, warning that he would not tolerate any attempts by the Maduro regime to arrest her upon her return. Trump described her Nobel Peace Prize recognition as a just acknowledgment for those who champion freedom.
Machado, determined to continue her political fight, stated, "My struggle does not end here. I will return soon because Venezuela deserves freedom and justice."
Her message to Cubans resonated as both a promise and a political declaration with regional implications: the potential liberation of Venezuela is not an isolated event but the beginning of a collective fight for freedom in countries sharing a common reality of repression and lack of rights.
Implications of Venezuela's Liberation on Regional Politics
Why does Maria Corina Machado link Venezuela's freedom to Cuba?
Machado believes that the struggles for freedom in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua are interconnected due to the authoritarian regimes in these countries. She views their liberation as part of a broader regional movement against repression.
How did Maria Corina Machado manage to leave Venezuela?
Machado left Venezuela through a secret operation supported by the United States. She traveled by boat to Curaçao and then flew to Oslo on a private plane, with a stop in Bangor, Maine.
What was the significance of her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize?
Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize brought international attention to Machado's efforts against authoritarian regimes and recognized her dedication to the fight for freedom and justice in the region.