Chile congressional move against Pinochet

The lower house of the Chilean Congress has approved a declaration opposing the plans of the former military ruler, General Pinochet, to take up a seat in the Senate.

The declaration stated that General Pinochet's presence in the Senate would not help reconciliation among Chileans, and would harm the country's image abroad.

General Pinochet's entry into the Senate is made possible by a constitutional amendment enacted during his military rule, allowing former presidents a Senate seat for life.

The lower house declaration has no legal force: opponents of the General are continuing to pursue their attempts to block the move through the constitutional court.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service