The president of Paraguay has promised Jewish officials that files on Nazis in the South American country would be opened.
The files have been closed for 50 years.
“Over the years Paraguay has been seen as a haven for Nazi war criminals,” said Sidney Clearfield, executive vice president of B’nai B’rith, the group that met late last month in Washington with Paraguayan President Juan Carlos Wasmosy.
Wasmosy was in the United States to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Three prominent members of the Jewish community of Paraguay were among those accompanying him.
The Jewish group also proposed at the meeting that Paraguay adopt anti- discrimination laws.
About 1,000 Jews live in Paraguay, primarily in the capital city of Asuncion.
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