Madrid - The decision to allow Gen Pinochet to return to Chile after 16 months under house arrest in Britain has revealed serious differences between the government and the judiciary, writes Jane Walker.
It has been an open secret since the Spanish judge, Mr Baltasar Garzon (left), requested the extradition of the former dictator that the centre-right Spanish government was embarrassed by the legal moves against a country with which it had close political and economic ties.
Within minutes of receiving news of the release from London it was confirmed that Mr Garzon had sent a fax to the Director of Public Prosecutions to try to block Gen Pinochet's flight. But it was clear he could not count on the support of the government.
The Spanish Foreign Minister, Mr Abel Matutes, said his government "respected" Mr Straw's decision and would abide by his ruling. "It has already been a victory for Spanish justice, which has advanced the cause of international law," he said.