Former British chancellor Lord Lamont has warned that General Augusto Pinochet's extradition case could severely damage relations between Europe and South America, particularly if the Chilean ex-dictator dies in Britain.
Pinochet has already told his family he is resigned to dying in Britain if necessary while he fights extradition - a process his lawyers estimate could take several years.
A magistrate yesterday ruled Pinochet can be extradited to Spain to face a charge of conspiracy to torture and 34 charges of torture.
Lawyers have pointed to the case of Malaysian businessman Lorrain Osman, who fought the longest extradition case in British history - seven years - before being returned to stand trial in Hong Kong in 1992 on corruption charges.
Lord Lamont said: 'Whether we like it or not, General Pinochet is one of the most significant people in Chilean history this century. If he dies in this country I think that will have a very damaging affect on Britain's relationship not only with Chile, but with South America.' Pinochet was arrested on October 16 last year while on a visit to London for back surgery.
Last month he suffered two minor strokes and his doctors say his health has further deteriorated because of the extradition proceedings.
