Former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, accused of murdering and kidnapping political opponents during his 17 years in power, suffered a heart attack yesterday, a hospital source said.

Pinochet, who was 91 on Nov. 25, was in ?serious but stable? condition in a military hospital in the Chilean capital Santiago, the source said. Pinochet marked his birthday by issuing a statement taking ?political responsibility? for acts committed during the 1973 military coup that brought him to power, saying his only motive was to make Chile ?a great place and prevent its disintegration?.

Pinochet has been in ill health in recent years and his statement, which was read by his wife, Lucia, at their home, acknowledged his condition.

?Today, close to the end of my days, I want to make clear that I hold no rancor toward anybody, that I love my country above all else,? he said.

Pinochet has been arrested several times for crimes allegedly committed during his rule but he has never been tried.