Overview
- Trump announced the nomination and said Cole has helped secure about 100 releases while pursuing roughly 50 more.
- Belarus pardoned prisoners on September 11 at Trump's request, including 14 foreign nationals convicted of spying, extremism and terrorism.
- Belarusian state agency BelTA reported that Lukashenko met Cole in September to discuss additional releases.
- Reports say Cole raised U.S. steps that include a Treasury general license enabling financial transactions with Belavia and talks about restoring a U.S. embassy presence.
- Poland's deputy foreign minister cited plans for further rounds of talks, and Lithuania's president said 52 released individuals crossed into Lithuania.