Bank recognises criticism

WORLD Bank President Paul Wolfowitz yesterday acknowledged that donors should not penalise poor people for the abuses of their leaders by withholding aid.

“We cannot abandon the poor because their governments or institutions are weak,” he said in comments to the World Bank’s policy-planning committee.

“That would mean they would be penalised twice.”

Mr Wolfowitz, who has championed fighting corruption has come under fire from Britain and African nations for blocking over €740 million in aid to countries believed to be involved in illegal activities or such projects where there reports of graft.

In apparent recognition of that criticism, Mr Wolfowitz said the bank “must find solutions which are innovative and flexible and respect the unique constituents and conditions in each country.”