World IN BRIEF : SOUTH KOREA : Ex-President Roh Denies Taking Bribes

Former South Korean President Roh Tae Woo, ordered to undergo cross-examination at his bribery trial, told a court that he had nothing to do with awarding contracts to business people who gave him money. “I have never, ever intended to accept any bribes,” Roh, 63, said in irritated tones, responding to a volley of questions from prosecutors. “I have received only donations. I have never swapped them for favors.” Roh’s outburst came as the defense tried to show that the $653 million that flowed into Roh’s office during his 1988-93 term represented only goodwill gifts, not bribes. Attorneys for several leading business people said their clients thought their donations would be used to help the poor and build hospitals.