Pinochet seeks new home by English seaside

“As speculation increased that he could be released on humanitarian grounds by Christmas, his associates declined to say whether the landlord had refused to renew his lease or if the general had decided to move,” it said.

The Daily Telegraph said the associates were searching for another home for Pinochet and had asked British police if England’s south coast would be suitable.

“We do not comment on such matters,” said a police spokesman. No immediate comment was available from the British government.

Supporters of Pinochet, arrested by Britain more than a year ago, say Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government last week offered the general a medical check-up.

They say the general is too ill to be extradited to Spain, which wants to try him on torture charges dating from the latter part of his 1973-90 rule.

Pinochet is said to suffer from diabetes, and he has a pacemaker. His supporters say he recently suffered a third minor stroke.

A British court ruled last month that Pinochet could face extradition to Spain on torture charges, but his lawyers have appealed.

Human rights activists would like to see Pinochet face trial for alleged abuses against his political opponents. More than 3,000 people died or disappeared during his rule.

Chile has asked for his return. Chilean foreign minister Juan Gabriel Valdes presented a petition to the British government last month asking for Pinochet’s release.