Pinochet Warns of Marxist Resurgence

President Augusto Pinochet said Marxists are regaining strength and likened the nation’s political situation to the days before his military coup 15 years ago.

The right-wing army general went on the political offensive for the first time since he lost an Oct. 5 referendum to extend his term until 1997.

“The causes of the confrontation of Chilean against Chilean cannot be allowed to repeat themselves,” Pinochet told about 800 supporters Thursday night in this provincial city. “We have to realize the dangerous time in which we live and call on patriotism to overcome this situation.”