Pinochet’s arrest brings out divisions in Chile to the fore

was arrested last week at the request of a Spanish judge who wants to question him about rights abuses during Chile’s 17-year dictatorship.

“This situation could cause years of damage,” said Insulza, who dispatched a deputy to London to argue for Pinochet’s release. “Chilean society is much more polarized than just a few days ago”.

Insulza said that Pinochet had caused other controversies here and that, if released, he would be asked “to stay in his home toprevent him from once again becoming a divisive factor in Chile’s national life”.

Pinochet’s arrest has divided this Andean nation since more than 3,000 Chileans were killed and thousands more tortured or exiled by the military government. In contrast, Pinochet’s supporters say he saved Chile from Marxism or civil war.

“In Chile there are many passions and `Pinochet-ism’ is a reality of this country which has a very strong political right wing,” Insulza said.

In a nationwide address late Thursday, President Eduardo Frei called for an end to pro-Pinochet protests outside the Spanish and British embassies.

“If there are those who think that it serves their purpose to act aggressively toward countries that traditionally have been friends of Chile, they are wrong,” said the President.