World Bank to decide Wolfowitz’s future

THE World Bank’s board on Friday ordered an ad hoc group to discuss the fate of President Paul Wolfowitz, whose leadership has been thrown into turmoil by revelations that he helped his girlfriend get a high-paying job.

The 24-member board, in a statement released in the early morning, expressed its “great concern” over the matter and instructed the ad hoc group to take up the matter “immediately.” Officials believed the ad hoc group — whose representatives were not identified — would convene later on Friday.

Wolfowitz, who has said he made a mistake and has apologised, said he “welcomes the decision of the board to move forward and resolve this very important issue.”

He also said he “looks forward to implementing the recommendations of the board.”

It remained unclear what action, if any, would ultimately be taken in the matter.

Many of the bank’s employees, aid groups and some Democratic politicians want Wolfowitz to resign.

The World Bank board said Friday that the situation should be dealt with “urgently, effectively and in an orderly manner.”