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Seven freed Europeans leave Chad Seven freed Europeans leave Chad
(about 4 hours later)
Seven Europeans released by Chadian authorities have left the central African country on board a plane along with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.Seven Europeans released by Chadian authorities have left the central African country on board a plane along with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
The seven are four Spanish air hostesses and three French journalists.The seven are four Spanish air hostesses and three French journalists.
They were among 17 Europeans held over an alleged attempt to take 103 African children out of the country.They were among 17 Europeans held over an alleged attempt to take 103 African children out of the country.
Six of those still in custody are from French charity Zoe's Ark, which says the children are Darfuri orphans - a claim questioned by aid agencies.Six of those still in custody are from French charity Zoe's Ark, which says the children are Darfuri orphans - a claim questioned by aid agencies.
Three other members of the Spanish air crew are still in custody along with a Belgian pilot.Three other members of the Spanish air crew are still in custody along with a Belgian pilot.
Diplomatic effortsDiplomatic efforts
Mr Sarkozy visited Chad on Sunday to discuss the case with his counterpart, Idriss Deby, in the capital N'Djamena. Sunday's release was announced shortly after his arrival.Mr Sarkozy visited Chad on Sunday to discuss the case with his counterpart, Idriss Deby, in the capital N'Djamena. Sunday's release was announced shortly after his arrival.
The French President has criticised Zoe's Ark, saying last week that Paris condemned their activities. The French president has criticised Zoe's Ark, saying last week that Paris condemned their activities.
But, speaking in N'Djamena, he said that he had urged Mr Deby to respect the right to presumption of innocence for those still in custody.But, speaking in N'Djamena, he said that he had urged Mr Deby to respect the right to presumption of innocence for those still in custody.
Mr Sarkozy said he had confidence in Chadian justice and that the two countries would work together to resolve the case.Mr Sarkozy said he had confidence in Chadian justice and that the two countries would work together to resolve the case.
The incident has come at a sensitive time as a French-led European peacekeeping force is due to be deployed in eastern Chad, to prevent the conflict in neighbouring Darfur from spilling over the border.The incident has come at a sensitive time as a French-led European peacekeeping force is due to be deployed in eastern Chad, to prevent the conflict in neighbouring Darfur from spilling over the border.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has asked Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Defence Minister Herve Morin to launch an investigation into the affair.French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has asked Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Defence Minister Herve Morin to launch an investigation into the affair.