Military succumbs to pressure and announces resignation of General Gonzalo Santelices

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SANTIAGO.- Army Commander in Chief Óscar Izurieta Ferrer has interrupted his vacation to announce his acceptance of General Gonzalo Santelices' resignation. The general's resignation stems from a case involving the execution of 14 people deemed "The Caravan of Death".

Izurieta stated that he appreciates the fact that Santelices was the one to present his resignation to directors of the Santiago Military Garrison and sees it as a noble gesture.

A formal statement issued by Izurieta indicated that "the decision made by this general is a demonstration of his personal honor and of the high position that he holds since, to date, legal proceedings have not yielded any court ruling attributing criminal responsibility to him based on his statements".

The chief emphasized Santelices' "loyal gesture", calling it noble and prestigious, and accepted his resignation after stating that it was a reflection of personal and professional qualities "shown throughout his entire career".

Izurieta also took the opportunity to criticize media reports, which leaked part of the proceedings leading to Santelices' resignation.

Finally, Izurieta took a moment to reiterate the military's dedication to the Law and vowed to continue to cooperate with the courts.