Santiago - Former Chilean dictator Gen Augusto Pinochet sought dismissal of murder and kidnapping charges against him yesterday as the government of President Ricardo Lagos played down fears Chile's powerful military could move to protect the retired general.
"All Chileans see the country is at ease with regard to that issue, and what's more we're satisfied the justice system is operating with autonomy and normally as we have seen," said Mr Alvaro Garcia, the president's chief of staff, in response to indications of military unrest in reaction to Gen Pinochet being placed under house arrest on Wednesday.
