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Blinken to speak to Lavrov about deal to free detained US citizens

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he plans to soon speak to Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov for the first time since the war in Ukraine began to discuss the release of detained US citizens, the Anews reported, citing the DPA.
Blinken told reporters at the State Department on Wednesday (July 27): "I plan to raise an issue that's a top priority for us: the release of Americans Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner, who've been wrongfully detained and must be allowed to come home.”
Whelan has been imprisoned for alleged espionage since his arrest in 2018, the report said.
US professional basketball player Griner is on trial for a drug offence after being detained in February at a Moscow airport, days before Russian troops invaded Ukraine.
On Wednesday (July 27), the player admitted to the Khimki court in the Moscow region that she was carrying cannabis, but explained it was for medical reasons, the Interfax news agency reported.
.@SecBlinken: In the coming days, I expect to speak with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov for the first time since before the war began. I plan to raise an issue that’s a top priority for us: the release of Americans Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner. pic.twitter.com/Gvd9gbB5sU
— Department of State (@StateDept) July 27, 2022
Griner used the drug as a painkiller in consultation with a doctor, a common practice in the US, she said. "I had no intention of violating any law of the Russian Federation," Interfax quotes her as saying.
The Olympic champion, who plays in Russia in the US off-season, has been in pre-trial detention, which was most recently extended until December 20. She is accused of drug possession and faces up 10 years in prison if found guilty.
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In order to facilitate their release, Blinken revealed that Washington had put forward a "substantial proposal" to Moscow several weeks ago, and that the two sides have been discussing it since.
"I'll use the conversation to follow up personally and, I hope, move us toward a resolution," he said. Blinken did not elaborate on the proposal.
US broadcaster CNN, citing anonymous sources, said the Biden administration has offered to exchange imprisoned Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout for Griner and Whelan.
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Bout was convicted in a US court in 2011 and is serving a 25-year prison sentence.
The report added that Blinken said he would also speak to Lavrov about recent deal agreed to by Moscow and Kiev to resume Ukrainian grain exports.
Source: anews
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Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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