Pinochet shows slight improvement

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Chile's former military leader Augusto Pinochet has shown a slight improvement but his condition remains serious after surgery following a heart attack.

Doctors say "the risk of death is diminishing" for the 91-year-old, but that "it still exists".

Correspondents say his ill health has reignited the debate over his legacy.

Some 3,000 people disappeared or were killed during his 17 years in power. He is under indictment in two human rights cases and for tax evasion.

A top Chilean court, meanwhile, has ordered his release on bail after his arrest last week over the abduction of two people in 1973.

A spokesperson for the Chilean government has called for calm and says the government is prepared for any outcome.

Birthday statement

Doctors at the Santiago military hospital told reporters the former ruler was "exhausted" following surgery to widen a blood vessel after suffering a severe heart attack early on Sunday.

Supporters are awaiting news outside the hospital

He told reporters earlier that Gen Pinochet would stay in hospital and under observation for "at least 10 days".

Doctors think they can avoid performing risky open-heart surgery, after follow-up procedures to see if such a move is needed.

A group of supporters remained outside the hospital holding portraits of the retired general.

Correspondents say Gen Pinochet's latest health problems have reignited speculation about the nature of his funeral following his eventual death.

His supporters say he should be granted full state honours, but critics say such a move would be a national disgrace.

Gen Pinochet overthrew the elected government of the left-wing President Salvador Allende in 1973 in a bloody coup.

As a former president he enjoys legal immunity, but the courts can strip him of this privilege on a case-by-case basis. On his 91st birthday last month, Gen Pinochet issued a statement in which he took "political responsibility" for acts that took place under his rule, saying he had believed they were in Chile's best interests.

The former ruler has been in poor health in recent years. He suffers from diabetes and arthritis, and has also had a number of suspected strokes.