WASHINGTON: The United States in a bid to ease tensions has released a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American state.
The Biden administration on Wednesday announced that under the swap arrangement, a defense contractor known as “Fat Leonard”, who was involved in a massive Pentagon bribery scandal was also handed over to the US.
This is the largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela’s history. The development comes weeks after the White House agreed to suspend some sanctions, following a commitment by country’s President Nicolas Maduro to work toward free and fair presidential polls in 2024.
Maduro has termed the release of Alex Saab, his close aid from the US custody as victory of truth. The Colombian businessman Saab was arrested by the United States for money laundering.
US says prisoners swap, a difficult decision
US officials said the decision to release him was difficult but essential to bring back the jailed Americans.
The 10 Americans freed by Venezuela include six who have been designated by the US government as wrongfully arrested.
President Joe Biden in a statement said that the released individuals have lost too much precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered a lot in their absence.
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The agreement also resulted in the return to US custody of Leonard Glenn Francis, the Malaysian owner of a shipping company who is main character in one of the largest bribery scandals in the US history.
The Venezuelan opposition leaders have criticized the Biden administration for standing by Maduro as he repeatedly outmaneuvered Washington after the US bid under Trump to topple Maduro failed.
