Trump says Belarus may soon release political prisoners

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Donald Trump expressed optimism Friday that Belarus will soon free a large number of political prisoners, following a conversation with President Alexander Lukashenko.

Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump noted that Lukashenko already released 16 people in “a very nice gesture.”

“Well, you know, I can tell you one story … the head of Belarus, who’s a very respected man, strong leader, he released 16 hostages,” Trump told reporters.

“I believe, another 1,400 hostages, now, not from us, from places all over the world ... he's got 1,400 - 1,500, a large number, and we're talking about releasing them. Some are political. I guess a lot of them are political, and looks like they're going to be released at some point in the pretty near future,” he added.