"I am quite satisfied," Judge Guzmán told reporters in Santiago, the Chilean capital.

Prosecutors say they are considering asking Judge Guzman to charge the girl as an adult.

In his deposition last week, General Pinochet declared his innocence to Judge Guzmán.

Since Judge Guzman issued his decision 10 days ago the general's supporters have attacked the judiciary, saying that a trial would only further destabilise Chile.

But the central case under investigation by Judge Guzman involves a death squad known as the Caravan of Death.

"I am pleased to announce that Judge Guzman finally received his Judiciary Committee hearing last week for a vacancy here," the President said.

As a continuing crime, at least theoretically, the 19 kidnappings cannot be covered by the amnesty, Judge Guzman has argued for two years.

Instead, he answered all the questions and declared to Judge Guzman: "I am not a criminal."

Before Judge Guzman can indict General Pinochet in the case, he will have to seek the revocation of his senatorial immunity.

I am not a criminal," Gen Pinochet told Judge Guzman, according to the published text of the legal interrogation.