Nazi gold conference ends on mixed note

The international conference in London on gold looted by Nazi Germany during the Second World War has ended on a mixed note.

Eight countries have agreed to contribute to a new fund for surviving victims of Nazi persecution.

The head of the American delegation, Stuart Eizenstat, said the conference was a landmark event in coming to terms with a painful period of history.

But the World Jewish Congress attacked Switzerland for refusing to give back more of the looted gold.

It also called on the Vatican to open up its archives in order to answer charges that it had been a recipient of Nazi gold.

The United States announced that a follow-up conference would be held in Washington next year to discuss other assets looted by the Nazis, including works of art.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service