Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader in Venezuela Maria Corina Machado said that a "political transition" must take place in her country, and that "the opposition is more organized than ever", EFE news agency reported, quoted by BTA.
Machado made a video address at an event of the Venezuelan-American Association in New York. She is expected to be formally awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo next week, although it is not yet clear whether the Venezuelan opposition leader will attend the ceremony in person.
The opposition is already working on "what comes next" to ensure that the transition process is "organized and effective." "We have a legitimate leadership and a clear mandate from the people, supported by the international community," she said in a video message.
The event in New York took place against the backdrop of a tougher US policy towards Caracas, including the imposition of sanctions and President Donald Trump's insistence on a complete closure of the airspace around Venezuela.
On this occasion, Maria Corina Machado said that the Venezuelan people are suffering but refuse to surrender. According to her, the opposition is resisting the repression with dignity and moral strength. She thanked Trump for recognizing that the political transition is a "priority". Machado also noted the leading role of the United States in international pressure against the government of Nicolas Maduro.
"Is change coming? Absolutely", said the opposition leader, assuring that "Venezuela will be free".
The meeting, held at the office of the international office "Clifford Chance", brought together people from the Venezuelan diaspora in the United States, experts and opposition figures. The event was aimed at strengthening the role of the diaspora as a pressure group.
Machado also called on Venezuelans around the world to participate in a march "for peace and freedom" tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian Nobel Committee confirmed that Machado had expressed her intention to travel to Oslo. The chairman of the committee warned that the trip was risky, as the Venezuelan regime had made threats against Machado. He expressed hope that her safety would be guaranteed both during the trip and upon her eventual return to Venezuela.
Machado continues to evade the authorities in Venezuela. Another opposition figure, Edmundo González, a presidential candidate in the 2024 elections, lives in exile in Spain because an arrest warrant has been issued against him. The warrant was issued after last year's elections, in which Maduro declared himself the winner. The opposition, however, disputes the results.