London - The British Government last night confirmed that the Vatican had intervened in the continuing row over the Spanish bid to secure the extradition of the former Chilean dictator, Gen Augusto Pinochet, writes Frank Millar. News of the Vatican intervention came just days ahead of the expected ruling by seven Law Lords on whether the former dictator enjoyed "sovereign immunity" from arrest and legal process in Britain.
A Foreign Office spokesman refused to explain the nature of the Vatican representations, confirmed by Baroness Symons in response to a parliamentary question by Lord Lamont, who has been leading the campaign for Gen Pinochet's return to Chile.
Lord Lamont signalled his intention to table further questions, accusing the minister of `cowardice' for refusing to give details. He said: "I suspect that the representations have been made at the highest level, recognising the general's great contribution to protecting freedom in the Cold War."
He continued: "The Pope would understand the reason for saving a country from a Marxist dictatorship. I think Baroness Symons is cowardly in not giving details." The Vatican press office was closed, and a spokesman for the Holy See in London refused to comment.