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Sarkozy urges fairness for alleged kidnappers

A plane carrying French president Nicolas Sarkozy and three French journalists whose release he won in Chad has arrived back in Paris.

Mr Sarkozy also secured the freedom of four Spanish flight attendants, but another 10 Europeans remain in custody in Chad for allegedly attempting to kidnap more than 100 children.

The United Nations has dismissed claims that they were orphans.

Mr Sarkozy says he hopes those still in custody will be treated fairly.

"I impressed upon President Deby that these compatriots have the right to respect for the presumption of innocence, that there have been agreements between Chad and France on judicial co-operation since 1976, that I have confidence in Chadian justice, that I respect it," he said. © 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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