The Spanish government has decided to ask Britain to carry out new medical tests on Chile's former military ruler, General Augusto Pinochet, in line with a request from the judge seeking his extradition.

A foreign ministry spokesman in Madrid said it was forwarding the petition from the judge, Baltasar Garzon, that doctors of his choice should examine the general.

Mr Garzon's request follows a statement last week by the British Home Secretary, Jack Straw, that General Pinochet is too ill to stand trial in Spain on torture charges.

Mr Straw based his decision on a report which has not been made public, by a team of British doctors.

Interested parties, including human rights groups, have until Tuesday to respond before Mr Straw makes a final ruling.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service