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![]() Thursday, December 10, 1998 Published at 06:17 GMT ![]() ![]() World ![]() Joy and fury over Pinochet decision ![]() The funeral of one of Pinochet's alleged victims on Wednesday ![]() There has been a mixed reaction in Chile to the UK's decision to allow extradition proceedings against General Pinochet.
"We are very happy, very content with this momentous decision, even more so because it falls on the 50th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights," said Viviana Diaz, vice president of the protest group, Families of the Detained/Disappeared.
The remains of teacher Mario Ramirez were only found two weeks ago - 25 years after his disappearance following the general's coup. Fury and frustration Meanwhile, the general's supporters in Chile were furious. The Pinochet Foundation in Santiago said they were ''frustrated and angry'' at what they see as an attack on their sovereignty.
The Chilean army said the decision was "abusive and humiliating".
Prior to the decision, General Pinochet's supporters had threatened to hold more demonstrations. There is heavy security surrounding the British ambassador's residence and the Spanish Embassy. Our correspondent in Santiago James Reynolds says many Chileans believe they are in for a period of instability. But he says so far life is continuing as normal and no one thinks the country's democracy is at risk. Long wait ahead
Our correspondent says they are aware there may be a long wait while the extradition process goes ahead. But they are now confident that the former military leader will one day stand trial in the country. Spain's conservative government has repeated that it will not interfere in the case and will respect the decision of the courts. 'New era' for rights Amnesty International, which has campaigned for General Pinochet to face trial, said Mr Straw's decision signaled "the birth of a new era for human rights''. "On the very eve of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the decision recognises the memory of the thousands who were killed, tortured and 'disappeared' during Pinochet's period in office" Amnesty said in a press release from London. "Jack Straw should be congratulated for not bowing to political and diplomatic pressure", it said. ![]() |
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