Wolfowitz confirmed as World Bank head

THE World Bank last night unanimously confirmed Paul Wolfowitz as its president, despite quiet misgivings by some members over his role as the Bush administration’s architect of the Iraq war.

The outcome had already largely been decided in the capitals of the bank’s major shareholder governments when the 24-member board met in a vote that was conducted by consensus.

Since his nomination on March 16 by Bush, the deputy defence secretary has sought to quell criticism of his selection.