Row over Pinochet card omission

Gen Pinochet faces several charges of human rights abuses

Chile's Presidential Palace has suspended the sale of postcards that depict all former leaders since 1970 but omit ex-ruler Augusto Pinochet.

The set of cards caused controversy when it appeared in a store at the palace's newly opened culture centre.

Some visitors complained about the exclusion of Gen Pinochet, who took power in a 1973 coup and ruled to 1990.

But culture centre authorities say the postcards were meant only to be art and had no political message.

The cards, which were sold alongside books, stationery items and other souvenirs, included a picture of Salvador Allende, who lost his life in the coup led by Gen Pinochet.

They also featured Patricio Aylwin (1990-1994), Eduardo Frei (1994-2000), Ricardo Lagos (2000-2006) and president-elect Michelle Bachelet, who will take office in March.

Although the postcards were on sale at the Presidential Palace in the Chilean capital, Santiago, the government distanced itself from the controversy.

Spokesman Osvaldo Puccio said the cards were produced by a private company which was free to chose whichever images it felt would be most popular with the museum's visitors.

Gen Pinochet, 90, faces a number of charges of human rights abuses dating from his 17-year military rule.

He is also being investigated in connection with tax evasion, fraud, and undisclosed foreign bank accounts.