Norway closes diplomatic mission in Venezuela, citing rampant violent crime

CARACAS, Venezuela – Norway says it will close its embassy in Venezuela due to rampant crime in the South American country.

Norwegian officials have decided to move the diplomatic mission to Bogota, the capital of neighboring Colombia.

The government of President Hugo Chavez estimates that more than 14,000 people were killed in Venezuela last year. That gave the country a homicide rate of 50 per 100,000 people and made it one of the most violent countries in Latin America and the world.

Norwegian Ambassador Lars Vaagen said Wednesday that the embassy will be moved from Caracas next year.