Trump Names John Coale as Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs
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U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed lawyer and current Belarus envoy John Coale as his special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, citing Coale's work in securing the release of prisoners and detained Americans.
Coale has spent more than a year negotiating with the government of Belarus. Trump said Coale has helped secure the return of more than 65 Americans and allied citizens from Belarus over the past year and negotiated the release of more than 800 political prisoners across several Eastern European countries.
The appointment comes after a series of prisoner releases linked to Coale's discussions with Belarusian officials. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 15 prisoners in September following talks with Coale.
Coale's work as Trump's Belarus envoy has focused on negotiations with Minsk over the release of people held in prison. His efforts have made him a key U.S. intermediary in discussions with the Belarusian government.
Coale will replace Adam Boehler as the administration's special envoy for hostage affairs. Trump said Boehler had helped secure the return of 196 hostages during his time in the role.
Boehler will remain involved in the administration's efforts as a senior adviser, according to Trump. In August, he helped secure the release of former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman from Russian detention.
The new appointment gives Coale responsibility for an area involving negotiations over Americans and other people held abroad. His previous work with Belarus is expected to provide experience as the administration deals with future hostage and detention cases.
