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Pinochet's daughter seeks asylum in U.S.

 
Published Jan. 26, 2006|Updated Jan. 26, 2006

WASHINGTON - The elder daughter of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet requested asylum in the United States on Wednesday after being taken into custody at Dulles International Airport, Chilean and U.S. officials said.

Lucia Pinochet was taken into custody by customs officials because of an outstanding arrest warrant in Chile, officials said.

Chilean Interior Minister Francisco Vidal said U.S. Ambassador Craig Kelly had informed his government of the asylum request. A State Department official confirmed the request and said she will be interviewed by an asylum officer as early as Thursday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to disclose the information.

Lucia Pinochet had been indicted by a Chilean judge on tax evasion and false passport charges, Chilean and U.S. officials said.

She was taken into custody after she got off a plane from Argentina that landed at Dulles International Airport, outside Washington, about 7 a.m.More promises from Haition jailed priest's release

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