Russia said Friday, November 18 hope that an exchange of prisoners with the United States, involving in particular a Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, detained by the American authorities, could take place.
“I hope that the prospect (of an exchange) is not only valid, but is growing stronger, and that the time will come when we will obtain a concrete agreement“Said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, quoted by Russian news agencies, statements coming the day after the announcement of the transfer to a Russian penal colony of American basketball player Brittney Griner.
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He said negotiations were taking place.professionally“, via “a dedicated channel“. These statements come the day after the announcement of the transfer to a Russian penal colony of American basketball player Brittney Griner, arrested in Moscow and sentenced for “drug trafficking“.
Supporters of the 32-year-old basketball player denounce a political affair, accusing the Russian authorities of holding her hostage in the context of tensions between Moscow and Washington over Ukraine. Negotiations have been taking place for several months between Russia and the United States over an exchange involving Griner and other Americans detained by Moscow, which hopes for its part to recover Mr. Bout.
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Nicknamed the “merchant of deathViktor Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence in the United States. His journey was one of the inspirations for the film “Lord of Warin which Nicolas Cage plays a cynical arms dealer.
Russia has repeatedly criticized the United States for making public statements about prisoner swap negotiations, calling for them to be kept secret. “So far, we have not found a common denominator, but it is undeniable that Viktor Bout is among those involved in the discussions, and we hope for a positive outcome.said Mr Ryabkov.
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