Kabul confirms release of American citizen George Glezmann

KABUL (Pajhwok): Following the visit of a US delegation to Kabul, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the release of American citizen George Glezmann by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) in a “humanitarian act.”

In a statement, the MoFA said: “Solutions can be found through dialogue, understanding, and diplomacy for all matters. The release of this American citizen is also a step taken in good faith.”

The Ministry added that the IEA is ready for genuine interaction with all parties, especially the US, based on mutual respect and interests.

The Ministry also expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for their mediation in Glezmann’s release and for “resolving the issue between the IEA and the US.”

Meanwhile, the US Department of State said: “After two and a half years of captivity in Afghanistan, Delta Airlines mechanic George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra. George joins American citizens Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were released from Afghanistan on the night of President Trump’s inauguration and returned home to their families.”

The State Department also thanked Qatar for its steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts in securing George’s release.

According to reports, Adam Boehler, US special representative for prisoner affairs, and his accompanying delegation, including Zalmay Khalilzad, met with acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Thursday.

Boehler and Khalilzad traveled to Kabul, with Khalilzad accompanying Glezmann on his journey back to the US, CNN reported.

Khalilzad confirmed Glezmann’s release on X, saying: “Today is a good day. We succeeded in obtaining the release of an American citizen, George Glezmann, after two years in detention in Kabul.”

“The Taliban government agreed to free him as a goodwill gesture to the US president and the American people. George is on his way home to his family,” he added.

Reports indicate that George Glezmann was detained in Afghanistan in December 2022.

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