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Pinochet sends peace message to Chile
Former dictator Augusto Pinochet, facing a possible trial for human rights abuses while he was in power, urged Chileans on Monday to put the past behind them and focus on the future.
He made the call in a brief handwritten letter addressed to the Chilean people on National Unity Day, a public holiday tied to the anniversary of his military coup on Sept. 11, 1973.
"I hold in my heart the hope that our divisions and yesterday's pain are overcome and that we will look to the future in benefit of new generations," said the letter.
It was read out to reporters by his granddaughter as Pinochet, 84, and his wife stood by her side at their home in Santiago. Pinochet himself did not speak.
In August, the Supreme Court voted 14-6 to strip Pinochet of his immunity from prosecution, a privilege he enjoyed in his position as senator. As a result, Chilean judge Juan Guzman will interrogate him on October 9 over his alleged role in human rights violations.
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