Chilean, U.S. defence ministers discuss Chile's decision on UN tribunal initiative
Defense chiefs of the United States and Chile met on Tuesday in Washington to discuss Chile's decision to ratify a United Nations initiative for the International Criminal Tribunal, according to reports received here.

The United States has a stated policy according to which countries that ratify the UN initiative would face sanctions unless they specifically exempt U.S. soldiers and agents.

Chile recently ratified the UN-led initiative for the Tribunal.

Chilean Defense Minister Vivianne Blanlot told his U.S. counterpart Donald H. Rumsfeld that the Chilean government had made the Tribunal decision, but "we remain open and interested in taking action that allows us to maintain a good defense relationship with the United States."

Santiago needs U.S. help to train Chilean Air Force staff in the operation of F-16 aircraft bought from the United States.

Rumsfeld also expressed his concern about Chile's choice for the United Nations Security Council, where Washington has repeatedly said it does not want a seat for Venezuela.

Venezuela is campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the Council, a post that lasts two years.

Blanlot added that Chile was studying whom to vote for at the UN, and that Chile would make its decision known at an appropriate time.

The Chilean minister will also meet U.S. Congress deputies, who are working on a legislation that will exempt nations who ratify the Tribunal initiative from sanctions.