Biden: Hostage exchange agreement was a success of diplomacy and friendship
Washington, August 2 (Hibya) - United States (US) President Joe Biden stated that the achieved hostage exchange agreement was a success of diplomacy and friendship.
US President Joe Biden said in his speech:
"Today, 3 American citizens and one American green card holder who were unjustly imprisoned in Russia are finally returning home: Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza. The Russian authorities had arrested them and imposed sentences without any legal basis.
Paul was a former marine who had come for a wedding, Evan was a Wall Street Journal reporter in Russia for journalism, Alsu was there to see her family, and all three were accused of espionage. Vladimir was a Russian citizen, a green card holder, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. He had criticized the Putin regime and was convicted of treason.
These four individuals' suffering has ended, and they are now free. Recently, their families had the opportunity to speak with them from the Oval Office. They left Russia and travelled to Turkey, and their plane will soon depart.
We felt incredible relief. The entire country was praying for their return, and this agreement, which ensured their freedom, was a success of diplomacy and friendship.
Russia released a total of 16 prisoners. Among these 16 individuals are 4 Americans, 5 Germans, 7 Russian citizens, and political prisoners. One of these Russians was the director of a human rights organization, and because he opposed the war in Ukraine, he was rotting in a Russian prison. Now, he is free to work for democracy.
This hostage exchange would not have been possible without our allies. Germany, Slovenia, Turkey, Poland—all stood by us and made brave decisions. These countries stood with us in releasing prisoners held in their prisons. Today shows how important our allies and alliances are. Our alliances make our people safer; we saw this again today.
We, the United States of America, fight for freedom, independence, and justice. We fight not only for our people but also for others. That is why Americans can be proud of today's success. Our work did not start on day one; it began long before. During the transition period, I asked my national security team to work on the cases of unjustly imprisoned hostages, and we started working before taking office. Since my administration began, we have brought home over 70 Americans.
Tomorrow will be a very important day. Thank you to everyone who made an effort and did their part."
Albania News Agency