As the ruling by the UK House of Lords draws near, Chilean military officials have warned of possible violence erupting following the decision.

Meanwhile Belgium has also issued an international arrest warrant for the general, making it the fourth country to seek his extradition after Spain, France and Switzerland.

The warrant was issued in response to a legal suit filed by six Chilean exiles living in Belgium.

Candlelit vigil

In the Chilean capital Santiago, relatives of the victims of the general's regime are holding a candlelit vigil outside the Moneda presidential palace.

The clinic in London where the General came for treatment was beseiged by anti-Pinochet protesters

His supporters have held a church service and their own vigil.

Television and radio stations are already running special broadcasts and most Chileans are expected to tune in for the result of the case which has dominated events in the country for nearly six weeks.

Few are predicting whether the UK law lords will rule that the general has state immunity or decide to send him to Spain.

Apolonia Ramirez, from the organisation of relatives of those who disappeared during General Pinochet's rule, said they were nervous, but confident.

"We're optimistic the British legal system will bring justice for those of us who have suffered a lack of justice in our country," she added.

The General may ask for release on compassionate grounds

But there is growing anxiety among his entourage.

General Luis Cortes Villa, head of the Pinochet Foundation, said: "We started off feeling very confident but as it's gone on we've begun to get more and more worried."

General Pinochet was arrested in a London hospital in October after two Spanish judges requested his extradition for human rights abuses during his 17-year reign.

Several of the general's closest allies have flown to London to be with him as he awaits the judges' decision which is due at 1400 GMT.

And President Eduardo Frei has returned to Chile from a trip to South Africa and Malaysia.

Fears of violence

The day of the judgement falls on General Pinochet's 83rd birthday and his supporters are plannning celebrations whatever the outcome.

Santiago authorities have refused permission for a major demonstration, but the Pinochet Foundation said it could not rule out the possibility of uncontrolled spontaneous demonstrations.

The general's opponents are also planning rallies regardless of the result.

South America Correspondent James Reynolds says there is widespread concern the country may see a repeat of the violent protests which broke out when General Pinochet was arrested last month.

If the House of Lords rules in the general's favour, opponents say they will press for him to be tried when he returns to Chile.

But should the judges decide he does not have immunity, the general's supporters say they will lobby the British Home Secretary to release him on compassionate grounds.