Pinochet suffers suspected stroke

SANTIAGO - Former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet suffered a suspected stroke and was rushed to hospital on Thursday, his staff said.
"His condition is not critical," said Guillermo Garin, one of the 89-year-old Pinochet's closest aides.
Pinochet was at his residence at Los Boldos, 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Santiago, when he was taken ill. He was transferred to the Santiago military hospital in a helicopter.
"He is being examined by doctors," Garin said.
Pinochet, who headed a military junta from 1973 to 1990, faces several criminal proceedings over the disappearance of opponents during his rule.

05/19/2005 18:08 GMT