A foreign ministry spokesman is quoted as saying that Switzerland provided “certain services” as part of its humanitarian policy to secure the release of Leininger according to a report in the Wednesday edition of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung newspaper.
US media reported that Leininger was taken to the Swiss embassy in Caracas and then to a hotel before he left Venezuela. The US state department and members of Congress were apparently also involved in the effort.
Leininger served a prison sentence in Venezuela for alleged arms smuggling and attempted manslaughter in 2014.
Washington has been trying to win the release of more than a dozen US citizens held in Venezuela, but it can’t provide any consular protection since both countries broke off diplomatic relations at the beginning of the year amid a power struggle between President Nicolás Maduro and the main opposition leader, Juan Guaidó.
Switzerland has offered its good offices to keep the lines of communication open, but Venezuela has not yet responded to the request.
Switzerland has also acted as an intermediary between the US and Iran since 1980 after the cessation of diplomatic relations between the two countries and also held long-running mandates as protecting power in the conflict between the US and Cuba until 2015.
More
More
Messenger, not mediator: Switzerland in Venezuela
This content was published on
Switzerland has agreed to represent the interests of the US in Venezuela. Former top Swiss diplomat Tim Guldimann gives some analysis.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland calls for ‘restraint’ in Venezuela
This content was published on
Switzerland is calling for restraint in Venezuela, where a coup d'état attempt led by the country's self-proclaimed president Juan Guaidó, left dozens injured on Wednesday.
Trump discusses economic relations and ‘good offices’ with Swiss president
This content was published on
Ueli Maurer’s 40-minute meeting with US President Trump concerned Switzerland’s intermediary role between the US and Iran and Venezuela.
Switzerland takes on consular services for Iran and Saudi Arabia
This content was published on
The Swiss government has confirmed that it will officially take up a protecting power mandate in the Iran-Saudi Arabia conflict, representing consular interests.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.