President Eduardo Frei of Chile has urged the Chilean people to remain calm in the wake of Britain's decision to subject General Pinochet to extradition proceedings.

Mr Frei ,speaking in Rio de Janeiro where he's attending a summit of South American nations,said his government would use all possible means to secure the General's release.

The Chilean ambassador has been recalled from London for consultations.

The BBC correspondent in Chile says the news from Britain provoked tremendous emotions.

The General's supporters condemned what they called Britain's colonial nature.

And the army said the ruling was an affront to Chilean sovereignty.

But General Pinochet's critics hailed the decision as good news for human rights around the world.