The Chilean Foreign Minister, Jose Miguel Insulza, has expressed cautious optimism that he made progress during his visit to Britain and Spain to lobby for the release of the former military leader, General Augusto Pinochet.

But speaking on his return to Santiago, Mr Insulza warned that conflicting messages from Chile would only hamper the government's diplomatic efforts to have the extradition proceedings against General Pinochet lifted.

Different members of the ruling coalition have been arguing for and against the General's return to Chile.

A decision is due in Britain next week on whether extradition proceedings should start against the General, who is wanted in Spain to face charges of torture and genocide.