WASHINGTON,
June 25 (Xinhua) -- Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. President Bush's nominee for
president of the World Bank, won the unanimous approval of the World Bank's
board to succeed Paul Wolfowitz, who was forced to resign under a favoritism
scandal.
The board said in a brief statement that Zoellick
brings "strong leadership and managerial qualities as well as a proven track
record in international affairs and the drive required to enhance the
credibility and effectiveness of the bank."
The board "are confident that he will address the
challenges facing the Bank, including a successful 15th replenishment of the
International Development Association (IDA), development of a long-term strategy
for the Bank Group and issues related to corporate governance," said the
statement.
Zoellick, 53, met with the bank's 24-member board on
Wednesday and outlined his views of the bank's opportunities and difficulties
and told members that he would strive to stabilize the bank.
"It is a special honor and responsibility, and I am
ready to get to work," said the former U.S. top trade envoy and No. 2 diplomat
in a statement, shortly after the board's approval.
He said he will gain the perspectives and experience
of all the people in the World Bank Group, including the staff working on the
frontline of development in the field.
"The Bank's Board, staff, and many stakeholders know
we face large challenges. We should approach them with a humility gained through
years of experience," he said.
"This accomplished institution of development,
reconstruction, and finance not only needs to adapt: It must lead the way to
achieving sustainable globalization, founded upon inclusive growth, opportunity,
and respect for personal dignity," he added.
U.S. President George W. Bush welcomed the
announcement in a statement, in which he hailed Zoellick as "a dynamic leader
who is deeply committed to the mission of the World Bank in helping struggling
nations to defeat poverty, grow their economies, strengthen transparency and
accountability in governance, and offer their people the prospect of a better
life."
He said the United States would look forward to
continuing its partnership with the development lender under Zoellick's
leadership.
By tradition, the United States, as the bank's
largest shareholder, names the World Bank chief and Europe nominates the leader
of the International Monetary Fund.
Zoellick's predecessor, Paul D. Wolfowitz, resigned
in May amid accusations of favoritism to his companion, a bank employee. His
resignation will become effective on Saturday and the new president will take
rein on Sunday.
Shaha Riza, Wolfowitz's girlfriend and once a staff
member in the bank, was removed to work the U.S. State Department when Wolfowitz
took over at the World Bank in 2005, to avoid any conflict of interest.
While still on the World Bank payroll, Riza was
rapidly promoted and ended up with a package of tax-free salary to about 193,000
dollars, more even than Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice receives before tax.
Wolfowitz, 63, was an aide to then U.S. Defense
Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in the run-up to the Iraq war. He was named by Bush to
the World Bank post in 2005.
BRASILIA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Robert Zoellick, the sole
candidate for the World Bank's presidency, said Monday he faced a difficult task
healing the bank's wounds left by the scandal surrounding its former chief.
"My role as a potential CEO is to try to heal this
institution, overcome some of the conflicts, the bruises, the wounding, the
frustrations," Zoellick told a news conference here. Full story
WASHINGTON, May 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W.
Bush on Wednesday nominated former trade representative Robert Zoellick to lead
the World Bank, replacing outgoing bank President Paul Wolfowitz.
Bush said that Zoellick has a long career in diplomacy
that has prepared him well for the job. "Bob Zoellick is deeply committed to
this cause," he said. Full story
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