World briefs 6/20/04

Nazi hunter awarded British knighthood

VIENNA, Austria -- Britain has awarded an honorary knighthood to Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal in recognition of a "lifetime of service to humanity," the British Foreign Office said. Wiesenthal, 95, survived incarceration in Nazi prison camps during World War II and has since dedicated his life to bringing those responsible for the Holocaust to justice. He is perhaps best known for his role in tracking Adolf Eichmann, the one-time SS leader. The knighthood also recognized the work of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which was founded to promote remembrance of the Holocaust and the defense of human rights.

Space cooperation topic of U.S., Indian scientists

BANGALORE, India -- India wants its space agency removed from a U.S. list limiting high-tech exports to India as the two nations prepare to meet this week to explore ways their space programs can work together. Starting Monday, the five-day meeting will bring together nearly 150 U.S. scientists, government officials and business leaders with their Indian counterparts in Bangalore. In recent years, India has developed rockets able to place satellites into orbit. It has also produced missiles capable of carrying nuclear payloads and hitting targets in neighboring Pakistan or China.

Haiti wants Aristide back -- to stand trial

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- As deposed President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was departing the Caribbean for South African exile last month, he vowed to return to his homeland. Haitian justice authorities also want him to return -- to face trial for alleged drug trafficking, money laundering, misuse of public funds and expropriation. Aristide's Miami-based attorney, Ira Kursban, said his client steadfastly rejects such allegations as "totally false and politically motivated." Investigators in the United States and Haiti are reviewing financial records of Aristide's Cabinet and his Lavalas membersto file charges against any who used their positions to prosper at the expense of the hemisphere's poorest country.

-- From wire reports