Washington, Oct. 4 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday the appointment of John Coale, the current U.S. envoy to Belarus, as Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, replacing Adam Boehler.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump noted that Coale, a attorney who negotiated the release of hundreds of prisoners, will assume the hostage affairs portfolio, Reuters reported.
President Trump praised Coale’s track record, stating that he facilitated the return of over 65 American and allied citizens from Belarus over the past year and negotiated the release of more than 800 political prisoners across Eastern Europe. The appointment follows extended diplomatic efforts with Minsk, which resulted in Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoning 15 prisoners in September.
Coale succeeds Adam Boehler, who secured the release of 196 hostages—including a former U.S. Marine released from Russia in August—and will transition into a new role as a senior advisor, Trump added.
Kh.A / Mzn
