EPA/WHITE HOUSE / DANIEL THROAT
Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during the meeting at the White House.
The leader of the Venezuelan opposition, María Corina Machado, gave the US President, Donald Trump, the Nobel Peace Prize medal, which she was awarded last year, as a gift.
The Norwegian Nobel Institute had already clarified, last week, that María Corina Machado could not donate the Nobel Peace Prize to Trumpas he stated to be his intention, nor to any other person.
“Once announced, the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be revoked, transferred or shared with third parties,” the institute said in a brief statement on January 10.
“The decision is final and irrevocable”he added.
The statement came after María Corina Machado said she would like to present or share the prize with Trump, who oversaw the US operation for , who faces drug trafficking charges in New York.
But Corina Machado donated it anyway. The moment happened during a meeting between the two at the White House on Thursday afternoon.
“I gave the President of the USA the Nobel Peace Prize medal”announced María Corina Machado, leader of the Venezuelan opposition, in Washington, when describing the moment.
The policy stated that the gesture referred to the historical ties between the US and Venezuela and aimed to recognize what he called “Trump’s unique commitment to our freedom”according to the New York Times.
The White House did not immediately say whether Trump accepted the medal.
Trump still doesn’t ‘trust’ Corina’s transition
Corina Machado had lunch with Donald Trump at the White House this Thursday. The leader of the Venezuelan opposition entered the United States presidential residence through a side door, instead of the main entrance, reserved for heads of state and high-ranking authorities, and did not answer questions from the press upon arrival. It was the first meeting between the two and was closed to the press.
After the meeting, the opposition leader assured that the North American President is fully “committed to the freedom of Venezuelan political prisoners and all Venezuelans”.
“We count on President Trump for Venezuela’s freedom,” he declared. She also said she was “impressed” by the clarity with which Trump addressed the situation in Venezuela and “how much he cares.”
Even so, the White House spokeswoman clarified (while the meeting was still taking place) that Trump maintains the opinion that María Corina Machado does not have enough support in the country to lead a transition in Venezuela.
