FORMER DICTATOR PINOCHET SUFFERS STROKE, REGAINS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANTIAGO 001107

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/20/2015
TAGS: PGOV PINR CI PINOCHET
SUBJECT: FORMER DICTATOR PINOCHET SUFFERS STROKE, REGAINS
CONCIOUSNESS; CONDITION GUARDED

REF: A. SANTIAGO 0023


B. 04 SANTIAGO 2899

Classified By: Ambassador Craig A. Kelly for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (C) The Chilean press reported that former dictator
Augusto Pinochet suffered a stroke and was transported by
helicoptor to the intensive care unit at Santiago Military
Hospital shortly before 1:00 a.m. EST on May 19. News
outlets report that Pinochet was transported unconcious from
his home, "Los Boldos," in the nearby Maipo Valley, to the
hospital, where he subsequently regained conciousness and is
undergoing tests. Suggesting that a crisis was not imminent,
a Defense Attache Office contact reported that Pinochet's
wife, Lucia Hiriart, had left the hospital by 3:00 p.m.


2. (SBU) This incident recalls the December 2004
hospitalization of Pinochet (ref B) from what was apparently
a mild stroke. The former dictator is facing charges for
kidnapping and murder in the Operation Condor case, and is
awaiting word from Chilean courts whether he will be stripped
of immunity for tax evasion and possible diversion of public
funds in connection with the Riggs Bank case (ref A).
KELLY