The wife of Chile's former military leader, General Pinochet, Lucia Hiriat has thanked those who have supported the campaign to allow him to return to Chile, and said his health has suffered since his arrest in London two weeks ago.

Yesterday judges in Spain ruled that Spanish courts do have jurisdiction to try the general for human rights abuses committed after he seized power, if he is extradited from Britain.

Britain's highest court is expected to give a final ruling next week on whether the General has immunity from prosecution.

The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is meeting his Spanish counterpart, Jose Maria Aznar, on Monday, but British officials say General Pinochet will not be discussed.