US bars Kissinger in Pinochet probe

The general is awaiting trial in Chile

A US embassy has reportedly told a French judge probing the 1970s disappearance of French citizens in Chile that it does not want him to question former secretary of state Henry Kissinger.

French Judge Roger Le Loire is looking into allegations that five French citizens who disappeared in Chile during General Augusto Pinochet's military regime were kidnapped and tortured.

Henry Kissinger had been summoned to appear as a witness in the case

French justice officials on Monday delivered a summons to a Paris hotel where Mr Kissinger was staying on a private visit.

But the US embassy in Paris told a French court that Mr Kissinger had other obligations and was unable to appear, judicial sources said on condition of anonymity.

The former US secretary of state under Presidents Richard M Nixon and Gerald Ford, was under no legal obligation to answer the summons.

A spokesman for the US embassy said officials wished the court had not gone directly to Mr Kissinger with the request.

Secret services

"We understand that the court is examining a period when Dr Kissinger was an official of the US Government," spokesman Richard Lankford said.

"We therefore believe the court should present its request through government channels to the Department of State."

Lawyer William Bourdon, who represents families of French citizens who disappeared during the 1973-1990 Pinochet regime, had requested the summons.

Mr Kissinger's testimony is wanted in connection with alleged exchanges between US and Chilean secret services that took place after the 1973 coup that brought General Pinochet to power.

A Chilean judge has indicted General Pinochet on homicide and kidnapping charges, holding him responsible for the atrocities committed by the Caravan of Death, a military group that executed 75 political prisoners shortly after the coup in which the general ousted President Salvador Allende.

General Pinochet is currently under house arrest and awaiting trial in Chile.