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)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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