Chilean Diplomat Found Dead In Syrian Capital, Victim Of 'Criminal Act'

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) _ Chile's consul in the Syrian capital of Damascus was found dead at his home on Monday, the victim ``of a criminal act,'' the Foreign Ministry said. <br/><br/>A brief

Monday, March 26th 2007, 5:11 pm

By: News On 6

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) _ Chile's consul in the Syrian capital of Damascus was found dead at his home on Monday, the victim ``of a criminal act,'' the Foreign Ministry said.

A brief communique from the ministry did not provide details about the death of Hector Faundez, but said ``Syrian authorities have vowed to diligently investigate the facts to determine the circumstances under which his death occurred.''

The diplomat's body will be brought back to Chile for burial, the communique said.

The press office at the ministry said no further details were available.

There has been no official comment from Syrian authorities on the death of the consul, and an official at the Chilean embassy in Damascus declined to say anything about the case. Syrian press reports were saying only that an investigation has begun.

A next-door neighbor to the consul, contacted by The Associated Press, also declined to comment.