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December 21, 2023

Maduro Hopes for New Page in U.S.-Venezuela Relations Following Prisoner Swap
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U.S. citizens freed in a prisoner exchange with Venezuela were
repatriated Wednesday, while released Colombian businessman Alex Saab
landed in Venezuela, where he met with close ally President Nicolás
Maduro. Saab, who is accused of money laundering via the U.S. and
bribery, was granted clemency by President Biden in exchange for the
release of 10 U.S. prisoners. Maduro also agreed to free at least
another 20 political prisoners. Separately, Caracas also returned
fugitive Malaysian defense contractor Leonard Glenn Francis, who is
implicated in a major Pentagon bribery scandal. As he welcomed Alex Saab
back at a Caracas news conference, President Maduro welcomed the
prisoner exchange as a positive step in U.S.-Venezuela relations.

President Nicolás Maduro: "Hopefully the way will be found for a process
of respect, equal treatment and understanding between the United States
of America and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Today a step has
been taken that will hopefully contribute to that path."



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