Pinochet undergoes tests as he seeks to avoid trial

General Augusto Pinochet has entered a Santiago military hospital to undergo neurological tests that may be his final hope to avoid trial on human rights charges.

Pinochet arrived at the hospital hours earlier than the 10 a.m (1300 GMT) time set by Juan Guzman, the judge seeking to indict him.

The 85-year-old former dictator was seen walking with difficulty, using a cane and aided by bodyguards. His wife, Lucia Hiriart, entered the hospital shortly afterwards, followed by a team of eight psychiatrists, neurologists and experts ready to take the tests to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.

The judge also visited the hospital briefly but said he did not meet Pinochet.

Guzman on Wednesday received a renewed backing from the Supreme Court, which rejected a request filed by Pinochet's lawyer to remove him from the case. Pinochet's lawyers say Guzman is biased.

The tests are due to last two to four hours and were to be followed on Monday by legal questioning by Guzman.

The judge said medical experts took urine and blood samples from Pinochet, which were sent to outside laboratories for testing, as requested by prosecution lawyers. That operation was supervised by a court official, Guzman said.

Prosecution lawyer Hugo Guiterrez said: "These procedures are the beginning of the end in Pinochet's dilatory tactics."

Guzman wants to try Pinochet for allegedly being responsible for the Caravan of Death, a military commando raid that executed 55 political prisoners in several cities shortly after the 1973 coup led by Pinochet. Pinochet and his associates have steadfastly denied the charges.