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Chad case prompts Sarkozy visit Chad releases seven in child case
(30 minutes later)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has arrived in Chad on a visit to discuss the detention of 17 Europeans accused of child abduction. Chad has released seven of the 17 Europeans being held over an alleged attempt to take 103 African children out of the country.
The French, Spanish and Belgian nationals are held in connection with an alleged attempt to kidnap 103 African children. The news came as French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Chad on a visit to discuss the case.
Six of the arrested are members of the French charity Zoe's Ark which says the children are orphans from Darfur. Those released include four Spanish air hostesses and three French journalists.
But international aid agencies have cast doubt over the claim. Six of those still in custody belong to the French charity, Zoe's Ark, that says the children are Darfuri orphans - a claim questioned by aid agencies.
Mr Sarkozy will meet his counterpart, Idriss Deby, in the capital, N'Djamena. They will discuss "the situation of our compatriots and the other European citizens being prosecuted", a statement from the Elysee Palace said.Mr Sarkozy will meet his counterpart, Idriss Deby, in the capital, N'Djamena. They will discuss "the situation of our compatriots and the other European citizens being prosecuted", a statement from the Elysee Palace said.
Mr Deby said on Thursday TV he hoped the three French journalists and Spanish and Belgian air crew members who are among the 17 European accused would be released soon. Mr Deby had said on Thursday TV that he hoped the three French journalists and Spanish and Belgian air crew members who are among the 17 European accused would be released soon.
Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has asked Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Defence Minister Herve Morin to launch an investigation into the affair.Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has asked Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Defence Minister Herve Morin to launch an investigation into the affair.
Mr Sarkozy was involved earlier this year in negotiations with the Libyan President, Muammar Gaddafi, in the case of six Bulgarian medics sentenced to death in Libya, who were eventually deported to Bulgaria and then released.Mr Sarkozy was involved earlier this year in negotiations with the Libyan President, Muammar Gaddafi, in the case of six Bulgarian medics sentenced to death in Libya, who were eventually deported to Bulgaria and then released.