Biden and Blinken thank Turkey for prisoner swap operation

US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked Turkey for the major prisoner swap operation managed by the MIT. A total of 26 people from the US, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and Belarus were exchanged in the operation.

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Biden and Blinken thank Turkey for prisoner swap operation

US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed their gratitude for the major prisoner swap operation conducted under the coordination of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT). In the operation carried out in Ankara, a total of 26 people held in prisons in the US, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and Belarus were exchanged. Among those swapped are The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and US Marine Paul Whelan, who were held in Russian prisons.

In his statement, President Biden expressed his great happiness that a total of 4 people, including 3 American citizens and one Green Card holder who were wrongfully detained in Russia, would be returning home. Furthermore, thanking the countries that contributed to the release of Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, Biden emphasized the contributions of allies such as Turkey, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and Norway.

ANOTHER THANK YOU FROM BLINKEN

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, "We are grateful to Germany, Poland, Norway, and Slovenia for making this agreement possible. We also thank the Turkish government for the support it provided for the safe return of these individuals to the US and Germany."

In a live broadcast from the White House, Biden stated that the agreement was a success of diplomacy and friendship, saying, "Today, these four individuals left Russia and flew to Turkey earlier. They will be home soon. This provides great relief for their families. This agreement was made possible thanks to the contributions of many countries. I personally thank them all."

Biden stated that under the agreement, Russia released a total of 16 prisoners, including 4 Americans, 5 Germans, and 7 Russians. He noted that 4 of these individuals were associated with the movement of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

I HAVE NO NEED FOR THAT

When asked if he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden replied, "I have no need to speak with Putin right now." When asked whether US-Russia relations would improve, he responded, "Let's hope so."

News Source: 12punto