Pinochet emerges from seclusion

General Pinochet's advisers have changed their strategy

By James Reynolds in Santiago

Chile's former military ruler, Augusto Pinochet, has made his first formal public appearance since returning to the country in March following more than 500 days under arrest in Britain.

The general attended a ceremony at his foundation in Santiago in honour of soldiers killed during the period of military rule.

His appearance represents new strategy: instead of focusing on his poor health, his advisers now appear keen to remind the public of his military achievements.

The change in tack comes two weeks after the country's Supreme Court decided to strip him of the immunity from prosecution he holds as a life senator.

Silent presence

There was heavy security as General Pinochet arrived at the foundation, to the cheers of about 100 supporters waving banners.

Supporters were waiting for the general's arrival

The general attended a short ceremony. He sat, holding a walking stick, as he listened to a speech made by the head of his foundation.

Augusto Pinochet then unveiled a memorial commemorating more than 300 soldiers killed during his years in office.

He was then driven back to his home under police escort.

This brief, silent public appearance marks the beginning of the new strategy designed by General Pinochet's advisers.

Up till now, he had been kept very much out of sight by his closest supporters.

They had argued that he was too ill to attend public events and also too ill to face legal action.

Anniversary imminent

But now, following the supreme court's ruling against the general, his advisers have decided to go on the offensive.

Opponents of the general want his trial speeded up

They have now decided that they do not want Augusto Pinochet to be let off trial on health grounds by being declared insane or demented.

They say they want to clear his name and to remind people of the achievements of his military government.

As part of their strategy, it is expected that General Pinochet will make further appearances in the coming weeks as the anniversary of the 1973 military coup approaches.

In October, he will be interrogated for the first time by the judge in charge of the lawsuits filed against him here.