Chilean president again attacks system of appointed senators

The president of Chile, Eduardo Frei, has again criticised the country's constitution, under which some members of the senate are appointed rather than elected.

Mr Frei was speaking after four retired military officers were made senators by the National Security Council.

He said such an arrangement meant Chile did not have a normal democratic system.

The appointment of the former officers ensures continued control of the senate by the right-wing, which opposes Mr Frei's centre-left government.

They were appointed under rules established during the military government of General Augusto Pinochet, who is expected to become a senator-for-life when he retires as head of the army.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service