Wednesday, December 9, 1998 Published at 19:39 GMT
Pinochet to face extradition bid
The Chilean ambassador, Mario Artaza, was withdrawn
UK Home Secretary Jack Straw has rejected appeals by General Augusto Pinochet's lawyers and allowed the former Chilean military ruler's extradition case to go ahead.
But his solicitors, Kingsley Napley, have refused to confirm they will apply on Thursday for leave to seek a High Court judicial review.
The 83-year-old could now be sent to Spain for trial on charges of mass murder.
In a 30-paragraph statement, Mr Straw rejected all the grounds put forward by supporters of the former dictator, who wanted him to be sent back to Chile immediately.
He said the length of time which had elapsed since the alleged crimes was also irrelevant.
Chile reacted to the decision by announcing the withdrawal of its ambassador in London, Mario Artaza.
The ambassador said: "I have to believe that this is a quasi judicial decision. There were other factors involved - it was more than just a judicial judgement."
A Chilean embassy spokeswoman said: "It is to give more information and is also a gesture."
In the Chilean capital, Santiago, British Embassy staff are battening down the hatches in preparation for angry demonstrations.
Amnesty International, which has been campaigning for Gen Pinochet to face a trial, hailed the decision as the start of a "new era for human rights" and said Mr Straw should be congratulated for "not bowing to political pressure".
Luis Machivello, of the Families of the Disappeared, said: "It is such a good day for human rights.
"A lot of atrocities were committed and now he needs to pay."
She said: "Jack Straw had ample to power to put an end to this shameful and damaging episode."
Lady Thatcher said the decision represented a "failure of political leadership".
One of these is the alleged bias of Lord Hoffmann, the Law Lord whose vote won the day for supporters of the extradition process. He is a director of a charity linked to Amnesty International.
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