The World : Chile Junta OKs Reforms

Chile’s ruling junta approved constitutional reforms negotiated with the opposition that will lessen the role of the armed forces when a civilian government takes office next year after 16 years of military rule. President Augusto Pinochet, leader of a 1973 coup, is expected today to formally call for a referendum in July or August to approve the reforms. The amendments to the 1980 constitution, which was written by the military government, lessen the role of the armed forces in the civilian government that will assume office in March, 1990. Meantime, toying with the idea of another term, Pinochet said he might run in the December elections, “if the people want me to.”