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DATE=1/12/2000 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=BRITAIN - PINOCHET (L-UPDATE) NUMBER=2-258006 BYLINE=LOURDES NAVARRO DATELINE=LONDON CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: British Home Secretary Jack Straw says (Wednesday) he will make a final decision on the fate of the former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet within seven days. Lourdes Navarro reports from London. TEXT: In a statement read in Britain's House of Commons, Home Secretary Straw said that he would be open-minded about the case and will consult with interested parties such as human rights groups before making his final decision. He also told the House of Commons that after reviewing the report given to him by a team of doctors who examined General Pinochet, he believed him too sick to stand trial for alleged human rights abuses. /// STRAW ACT /// He is at present unfit to stand trial and no change is expected. I have therefore told Senator Pinochet's representatives that subject to any representations, which I may receive, I am minded to take the view that no purpose can be served by continuing the present extradition proceedings. /// END ACT /// General Pinochet was arrested in London 15 months ago on a Spanish extradition order for alleged acts of torture and genocide during his 17 year rule in Chile. While both Spain and Chile say they will abide by whatever Mr. Straw decides, campaigners in both Spain and Britain say they will continue to explore every legal avenue. Mr. Straw also said he will not publicly release the medical report because of patient confidentiality. The human rights organization Amnesty International called Mr. Straw's decision a mockery of justice. Amnesty International spokesman Claudio Cordone says that the medical records must be given to those who have a vested interest in the case. /// CORDONE ACT /// What we are saying is that the process of whether or not Pinochet should be extradited or should stand trial should continue to remain before the courts. His medical condition should also be before a court of law with all parties being able to see the evidence to challenge it if they so require. /// END ACT /// While this latest move has caused outrage among anti- Pinochet groups, supporters of the General say that a reprieve is long overdue. They say his health is frail and he has suffered a series of heart attacks while under arrest. General Pinochet came to power in a military coup in 1973. The former military leader has insisted that he his innocent of the human rights abuses of which he is accused. Official figures show that at least three thousand people died or disappeared under his 17-year rule. (Signed) NEB/LN/GE/gm 12-Jan-2000 14:17 PM EDT (12-Jan-2000 1917 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .