Pinochet agrees to medical tests

Former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet has agreed to undergo medical tests and questioning by a judge.

The move could open the door to a possible renewal of his indictment on murder and kidnapping charges.

Neurological testing could begin as early as Wednesday or Thursday, according to Judge Guzman. They could last up to four days, the judge said.

Pinochet's lawyer Gustavo Collao said: "Contrary to what many people say, we are not challenging the justice".

Pinochet disobeyed Mr Guzman by refusing to appear at the Santiago military hospital for the beginning of the tests. And his lawyers earlier had said he would refuse to appear for questioning.

Prosecution lawyer Hiram Villagra said: "Pinochet has recanted, because he understood the failure of his efforts to have the legal procedures interrupted by political means.

"He expected the army would step in in his favour, but that didn't happen," Mr Villagra told the Associated Press.

Mr Guzman indicted Pinochet last month but the Supreme Court dropped the homicide and kidnapping charges he filed because the judge failed to interrogate Pinochet first, as required by law.

"We are convinced that shortly after Monday, Pinochet will again be indicted," Mr Villagra said.

Pinochet's defence expects that medical tests will convince Mr Guzman that Pinochet's deteriorated health will prevent him for undergoing the interrogation.