Russian-Armenian leader plays key role in release of American prisonerApril 29, 2022 - 11:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The president of Union of Armenians in Russia, Ara Abrahmyan, played a key role in the release of American prisoner Trevor Reed, who was being held in Russia since 2019, Azbarez reports. Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who was also the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. mediated a the release when he secretly traveled to Moscow hours before the Russian military offensive against Ukraine began back in February. Richardson, through his eponymous Richardson Center, has been working behind the scenes to secure Reed’s release. Richardson personally thanked Abrahamyan “for his help in support of the efforts to release Trevor and others.” He also praised Abrahamyan during an interview with CNN on Thursday. It was announced on Wednesday that Reed was being released through a prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, which exchanged convicted Russian drug dealer Konstantin Yaroshenko. Reed was sentenced to nine years in prison in July 2020 for endangering the "life and health" of Russian police officers in an altercation. Reed and his family have denied the charges against him. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Russia accuses West of preparing invasion of CSTO countries NATO is preparing an invasion of the CSTO countries, the number of provocations in the air is growing, Sergei Shoigu has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Armenia: Rescue workers restore pedestrian bridge for flood-hit community Rescue workers on Wednesday, June 5 restored a pedestrian bridge in the town of Alaverdi in Armenia’s north. |