Tribune News Network
Doha
US President Joe Biden has welcomed the release of Paul Rusesabagina, widely known as the “Hotel Rwanda hero,”by the government of Rwanda, and thanked the government of Qatar for facilitating his release and return to the United States.
In a statement, the US president said, “I welcome today’s release of Paul Rusesabagina by the Government of Rwanda. Paul’s family is eager to welcome him back to the United States, and I share their joy at today’s good news.”
He continued, “I thank the Rwandan government for making this reunion possible, and I also thank the government of Qatar for facilitating Paul’s release and return to the United States.I add my gratitude to those across the US Government who have worked with the government of Rwanda to achieve today’s happy outcome.”
Qatar has helped secure the release of Paul Rusesabagina, a former hotel manager who was widely honoured for sheltering Tutsis during the 1994 genocide but was later jailed on terrorism charges, from Rwandan prison after two and a half years in captivity.
Now 68, Rusesabagina became a symbolic figure for humanity during the Rwandan genocide, in which he took in more than 1,200 Tutsis to his hotel and saved their lives. The events were later portrayed in the Hollywood movie “Hotel Rwanda.”
In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dr Majed Al Ansari said, “We confirm the official Rwandan statements that Mr Paul Rusesabagina’s sentence will be commuted and he will be released in accordance with a presidential decree. The procedure for his transfer to the State of Qatar is under way and he will then head to the USA.”
He said this issue was discussed during meetings that brought together Qatari and Rwandan officials at the highest levels.
“The State of Qatar has been able to play the role of a neutral mediator in many files and issues, which has made it a reliable international partner in resolving disputes through peaceful and diplomatic means and bringing the views of the various parties closer together,” he added.
He said Qatar’s facilitation role, reflects the mutual trust and strong relations between Qatar and partners in Rwanda and the United States.
