WASHINGTON — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said yesterday that Aqua-Leisure Industries would recall about 4 million floating baby pool toys that pose a drowning risk.

The commission said consumers should immediately stop using the floats.

Leg straps in the seat of the float are prone to tearing, which can cause children to fall into or under the water. So far, the commission has received 31 reports of torn seats. No injuries have been reported.

The floats, some shaped like boats, crabs, turtles or cars, were sold at Target, Toys "R" Us, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Kmart, Walgreens, Ace Hardware and Bed Bath & Beyond from December 2002 to June 2009. They cost between $8 and $15.

SANFORD'S WIFE MAY BE READY TO FORGIVE

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford says she may be able to forgive her husband's much-publicized affair with an Argentine woman, but true reconciliation will take more time.

In a statement e-mailed to reporters yesterday, Jenny Sanford called her husband's behavior inexcusable but said she may be able to give him another chance. It was her first public remark since Gov. Mark Sanford told The Associated Press that Maria Belen Chapur is his soul mate but he is trying to fall back in love with his wife. The Sanfords have been separated for several weeks.

Mark Sanford's spokesman said the governor will travel today to be with his family in Florida, where his in-laws live.

CHILDREN LOCKED IN DAY CARE TOOL SHED

SEALY, Texas — A Texas couple was arrested after a state inspector found several children locked in a tool shed behind an unlicensed day care center.

State officials said the children were surrounded by lawn equipment, gasoline and insecticide when they were found Wednesday morning. The children were not injured.

A child welfare inspector had gone there in response to a complaint that an illegal day care center was being operated at the home. In all, there were 14 children, ranging in age from 3 months to 5 years, being cared for by the couple, Child Protective Services spokeswoman Gwen Carter said yesterday. They were supposed to be caring for no more than three children, Carter said.

U.N. CHIEF TO ASK FOR DISSIDENT'S FREEDOM

YANGON, Myanmar — The U.N. secretary-general said he planned to lobby Myanmar's junta chief directly today for the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, acknowledging the mission will be "very difficult."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Myanmar for meetings with leaders on the same day that Suu Kyi's widely criticized trial was delayed to next Friday.

The U.N. chief's visit magnifies the international spotlight on the trial, which has been delayed for a month but is expected to wrap up quickly after a final defense witness takes the stand. If Ban is allowed to meet with Suu Kyi, he will be the first U.N. secretary-general to do so since her first period of detention started in 1989.

EU SEEKS RELEASE OF EMBASSY STAFF IN IRAN

STOCKHOLM — The European Union demanded yesterday that Iran release all detained British Embassy staff amid disagreement over how many there were and discussion of a British proposal for the bloc to jointly withdraw all 27 of its ambassadors from the country.

Recalling the diplomats would be an extraordinary move and a powerful signal of EU unity in the wake of Tehran's postelection crackdown.

Nine local staff were initially detained over the weekend for an alleged role in postelection protests. Iranian state TV on Wednesday said Tehran released all but one of the employees, but Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said "more than one" remained in custody.

CALL FOR RESTORATION OF HONDURAS LEADER

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — A top diplomat said yesterday he is heading to Honduras to demand the return of the president toppled at gunpoint.

The head of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza, said he plans to travel to Honduras today to insist on the restoration of President Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted in a coup Sunday.

The OAS says it will suspend Honduras if Zelaya isn't back in office by tomorrow, bringing sanctions that could block aid to one of the poorest nations in the hemisphere.