The exchange of Maduro nephews for seven Americans is an extraordinary show of

goodwill from the socialist president, but Washington denies any change in policy.

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The exchange of the Americans, which included five oil executives

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who had been held for nearly five years, comes after months of back-channel diplomacy by senior US officials - secretive talks

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with a major oil producer that became more pressing after sanctions against Russia put pressure on global energy prices.

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In a statement, President Joe Biden stated, "These folks will soon be reunited

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with their families and back in the arms of their loved ones where they belong."

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we are committed to achieving the release of those families

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who are currently suffering and separated from their loved ones who are unlawfully jailed."

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The agreement is an extraordinary show of goodwill by Maduro as the socialist leader seeks to repair relations with the US.

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