World datelines

Chad: 3 Spaniards released

N'DJAMENA — Three Spaniards detained in a charity's alleged plot to take 103 African children to Europe returned home on a Spanish government jet Friday, after tense diplomatic negotiations with Chad.

The three flight crew members and a detained Belgian pilot — also due to leave Friday on a Belgian military aircraft — had been charged with complicity in the alleged kidnapping plot, Chadian lawyer Jean-Bernard Padare said. A judge later ordered their release.

Six workers with the French charity Zoe's Ark remain in custody in Chad, charged with attempted kidnapping.

Chile: U.N. chief visits Antarctica

PUNTA ARENAS — U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the Antarctica on Friday to see firsthand the impact of climate change on melting glaciers.

Ban flew to Chile's southernmost city of Punta Arenas and then took a C-130 to the Chilean Air Force President Eduardo Frei Antarctic base accompanied by officials and scientists. If weather permits, Ban was to fly to the Wilson glacier.

Chile: Chavez pushes oil pact

SANTIAGO — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez invited Brazil on Friday to join his "Petroamericas" initiative that aims to strengthen alliances in region on the back of surging energy prices.

The initiative is seen as a rival to the U.S. economic influence, and it would integrate previous oil projects Petrosur, Petrocaribe and Petroandina, under which Venezuela agreed to sell fuel to other countries in the region on preferential terms. Chavez has said the energy alliances will challenge U.S. economic domination in the region and distribute fuel directly to avoid costly intermediaries.

India: Girl recovers after surgery

BANGALORE — A 2-year-old Indian girl born with four arms and four legs regained consciousness Friday, wiggled her toes and smiled at her parents, 48 hours after massive surgery removed the extra limbs, doctors said.

Lakshmi, who has been revered by some in her village as a reincarnation of the four-armed Hindu goddess she was named for, was still in intensive care.

Iraq: Detainees released

BAGHDAD — Nearly 500 Iraqi detainees were released at a ceremony at a sprawling U.S. detention center in western Baghdad, where they were urged by Prime Minister Nouri Kamal al-Maliki to "start a new life, a different life from months ago."