Biden asserts his decision to negotiate with Maduro's government after prisoner swap

(20 Dec 2023)
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POOL
Washington - 20 December 2023
1. Biden stepping down from Marine Down on the White House lawn
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Biden, U.S. President:
(Reporter: Why is it ok for the U.S. to be negotiating with Maduro government and sending back people the Justice Department prosecuted?)
"It's ok because it freed American people who have been held illegally and we have made a deal with Venezuela that they'll hold free elections, so far they’ve maintained the requirement, and that’s it.”
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3. Biden walking away towards the White House entrance as reporters keep asking questions
STORYLINE:
The United States has freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American country and the return of a fugitive defense contractor.

That contractor is known as “Fat Leonard” and he's at the center of a massive Pentagon bribery scandal.

The deal represents the Biden administration's boldest move yet to improve relations with the major oil-producing nation and extract concessions from Maduro.

The largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela’s history comes weeks after the Biden administration agreed to suspend some sanctions.

That step followed a commitment by Maduro and an opposition faction to work toward free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential election.

Asked on Wednesday night why it's ok to be negotiating with Maduro's government, Biden said "It's ok because it freed American people who have been held illegally and we have made a deal with Venezuela that they'll hold free elections, so far they’ve maintained the requirement, and that’s it.”

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