Report: World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz Broke Rules

08 May 2007 -- A special panel of World Bank officials has concluded that the institution's president, Paul Wolfowitz, broke bank rules in arranging a pay increase and promotion for his girlfriend.

People familiar with the panel's report said Monday that Wolfowitz has received a copy of it. The document, which has not been made public, will be presented to the World Bank's board of directors.

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After news of the report broke, White House spokesman Tony Fratto reaffirmed President Bush's support for Wolfowitz. Fratto said Mr. Bush believes Wolfowitz should continue to lead the World Bank. He also said the White House had not yet seen the report.

Earlier, one of Wolfowitz's key aides, Kevin Kellems, said he will leave the poverty-fighting institution.

Kellems said it has been "difficult" to accomplish the bank's mission in the "current environment surrounding the leadership."

Some critics are calling for bank president Wolfowitz to resign, but Wolfowitz says he will not leave, insists that he acted in good faith, and has called allegations against him a "smear campaign."

Source: VOA News