Chilean President Eduardo Frei said in a televised address on Wednesday that it would be up to Chile's courts to decide whether former dictator Augusto Pinochet bore any criminal responsibility.

The text of President Frei's statement, broadcast live on Chilean TV, reads as follows:

"The tests that Senator Pinochet has undergone have demonstrated that he is unfit to go through the extradition trial requested by Spanish justice. As a result, the British home secretary, using the authority granted by his country's judicial order, has affirmed that he is willing to deny Senator Pinochet's extradition to Spain.

"Since the beginning of this long process my government has acted in accordance with one line only - that is, implementing a consistent state policy.

"We have acted transparently and directly in front of the country. We did it for Chile's well-being, instead of responding to petty calculations.

"Our attitude strongly differs from the one adopted by those who, until a few months ago, were even demanding that we break relations with Great Britain, and who are now hiding their support for Pinochet and remain completely silent.

Reacted calmly

"Throughout this process we have constantly acted with serenity, without paying attention to those who arrogantly demanded that the government take rash and disproportionate decisions.

"To the exacerbation of feelings and the calls to engage in irrational behaviour, we have reacted calmly, we have been confident in the laws and the democratic institutions, and we have had an adequate understanding of how international relations operate.

"We have also said with great clarity that it is the courts of justice of our country which should decide on Senator Pinochet's criminal responsibilities in the cases that are currently being processed.

"The judges are independent and have the authority to carry out their task. My government has done its job. We have defended the right to solve our problems in Chile and we have not accepted others solving them on our behalf.

Prudent manner

"Upon Pinochet's arrest more than a year ago, deep concerns accumulated in the spirits of the Chilean people. A crisis that could have had serious developments has instead flowed through moderate and peaceful venues.

"I express my satisfaction with the maturity of the Chilean people and the country's institutions and I thank you for the support and understanding of our decision to act in a balanced, sober, and, above all, prudent manner.

"Today I reiterate before my fellow citizens that I will continue acting with the same spirit in order to honour the commitment I made on 21 May - to close this situation before the end of my mandate. Thank you very much. "

BBC Monitoring (http://www.monitor.bbc.co.uk), based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.