Santiago - Chile said yesterday that the health of Gen Augusto Pinochet is worsening and he may not be able to withstand a lengthy trial in Europe on charges of human rights abuses.
Gen Pinochet is under house arrest in Britain and awaiting possible extradition to Spain to face trial.
In London, a Home Office spokeswoman said: "We have had no representation with regard to his health. The case is currently before the courts and it is a matter for them, not for us."
A medical report commissioned by the Chilean government in July said Gen Pinochet's diabetes was worsening and that there was a risk of him dying.