DATE=1/12/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=BRITAIN - PINOCHET (L-UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-258006
BYLINE=LOURDES NAVARRO
DATELINE=LONDON
CONTENT=

VOICED AT: 

INTRO: British Home Secretary Jack Straw says 
(Wednesday) he will make a final decision on the fate 
of the former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet within 
seven days. Lourdes Navarro reports from London.

TEXT: In a statement read in Britain's House of 
Commons, Home Secretary Straw said that he would be 
open-minded about the case and will consult with 
interested parties such as human rights groups before 
making his final decision. He also told the House of 
Commons that after reviewing the report given to him 
by a team of doctors who examined General Pinochet, he 
believed him too sick to stand trial for alleged human 
rights abuses. 

            /// STRAW ACT /// 

      He is at present unfit to stand trial and no 
      change is expected. I have therefore told 
      Senator Pinochet's representatives that subject 
      to any representations, which I may receive, I 
      am minded to take the view that no purpose can 
      be served by continuing the present extradition 
      proceedings.
      

            /// END ACT ///

General Pinochet was arrested in London 15 months ago 
on a Spanish extradition order for alleged acts of 
torture and genocide during his 17 year rule in Chile.

While both Spain and Chile say they will abide by 
whatever Mr. Straw decides, campaigners in both Spain 
and Britain say they will continue to explore every 
legal avenue.

Mr. Straw also said he will not publicly release the 
medical report because of patient confidentiality.

The human rights organization Amnesty International 
called Mr. Straw's decision a mockery of justice. 

Amnesty International spokesman Claudio Cordone says 
that the medical records must be given to those who 
have a vested interest in the case.

            /// CORDONE ACT ///

      What we are saying is that the process of 
      whether or not Pinochet should be extradited or 
      should stand trial should continue to remain 
      before the courts. His medical condition should 
      also be before a court of law with all parties 
      being able to see the evidence to challenge it 
      if they so require.

            /// END ACT ///

While this latest move has caused outrage among anti-
Pinochet groups, supporters of the General say that a 
reprieve is long overdue. They say his health is frail 
and he has suffered a series of heart attacks while 
under arrest.

General Pinochet came to power in a military coup in 
1973. The former military leader has insisted that he 
his innocent of the human rights abuses of which he is 
accused. Official figures show that at least three 
thousand people died or disappeared under his 17-year 
rule. (Signed)

NEB/LN/GE/gm



12-Jan-2000 14:17 PM EDT (12-Jan-2000 1917 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.