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Pinochet over the worst - doctor Pinochet over the worst - doctor
(about 18 hours later)
Chile's former military ruler, Augusto Pinochet, is over the worst stage after treatment following a heart attack, one of his doctors has said.Chile's former military ruler, Augusto Pinochet, is over the worst stage after treatment following a heart attack, one of his doctors has said.
"He is well, conscious and talking," Dr Juan Ignacio Vergara said outside a military hospital in the Santiago. "He is well, conscious and talking," Dr Juan Ignacio Vergara said outside a military hospital in Santiago.
However, Dr Vergara is not ruling out the possibility of another heart attack for the 91-year-old.However, Dr Vergara is not ruling out the possibility of another heart attack for the 91-year-old.
Gen Pinochet faces charges over human rights abuses and tax evasion allegedly committed during his time in office.Gen Pinochet faces charges over human rights abuses and tax evasion allegedly committed during his time in office.
Some 3,000 people disappeared or were killed during his 17 years in power.Some 3,000 people disappeared or were killed during his 17 years in power.
Birthday statementBirthday statement
"At this time we can say that the critical stage has passed," Dr Vergara said."At this time we can say that the critical stage has passed," Dr Vergara said.
He added that Gen Pinochet's "advanced age" meant he would remain in the hospital for the time being.He added that Gen Pinochet's "advanced age" meant he would remain in the hospital for the time being.
On Sunday, Gen Pinochet underwent an emergency angioplasty - a procedure to clear blocked arteries.On Sunday, Gen Pinochet underwent an emergency angioplasty - a procedure to clear blocked arteries.
He was reportedly on the brink of death, and a priest read him the last rites.He was reportedly on the brink of death, and a priest read him the last rites.
The former ruler has been in poor health in recent years. He suffers from diabetes and arthritis, and has also had a number of suspected strokes.The former ruler has been in poor health in recent years. He suffers from diabetes and arthritis, and has also had a number of suspected strokes.
Gen Pinochet's latest health problems have reignited speculation about the nature of his funeral following his eventual death, correspondents say.Gen Pinochet's latest health problems have reignited speculation about the nature of his funeral following his eventual death, correspondents say.
His supporters say he should be granted full state honours, but critics say such a move would be a national disgrace.His supporters say he should be granted full state honours, but critics say such a move would be a national disgrace.
Gen Pinochet overthrew the elected government of the left-wing President Salvador Allende in 1973 in a bloody coup.Gen Pinochet overthrew the elected government of the left-wing President Salvador Allende in 1973 in a bloody coup.
As a former president he enjoys legal immunity, but the courts can strip him of this privilege on a case-by-case basis.As a former president he enjoys legal immunity, but the courts can strip him of this privilege on a case-by-case basis.
On his 91st birthday last month, Gen Pinochet issued a statement in which he took "political responsibility" for acts that took place under his rule, saying he had believed they were in Chile's best interests.On his 91st birthday last month, Gen Pinochet issued a statement in which he took "political responsibility" for acts that took place under his rule, saying he had believed they were in Chile's best interests.