Monday, March 21, 2005

Will Wolfowitz Stand?

Well, Europe isn't happy about it, especially on the heels of Bush's recent nomination of a rabid UN-hater as ambassador to the UN. Didn't take Bush long to undo all the goodwill of his recent charm offensive, did it? Did anyone have bets on that one?

(from the Financial Times:)
"The Netherlands hinted at reservations on Sunday about Washington's nomination of Paul Wolfowitz to head the World Bank, saying it would be better to have a wider field of candidates."

Meanwhile, the EU 'invited' (summoned?) the Wolf to Brussels to convince them that he was capable of leading an agency that is supposed to be there to help lift the developing world out of poverty.

"Paul Wolfowitz, the US's nominee to head the World Bank, has been invited to Brussels to meet the European Commission and calm nerves about his candidacy. Louis Michel, European commissioner for development, yesterday invited Mr Wolfowitz to share his vision of the bank's future before its shareholders vote on his appointment.
Mr Michel, who made his decision after consultation with José Manuel Barroso, European Commission president, said: "I am looking forward to meeting Mr Wolfowitz in Brussels to listen to his ideas on development, the main challenges ahead and his vision for the World Bank as a major actor."

In the UK, Gordon Brown seeks to shore up support for Wolf O'Witz

"Gordon Brown is seeking the fullest possible discussion between the US and developing countries over Washington's nomination of Paul Wolfowitz as the new World Bank chief, believing it is important to achieve a broad international consensus over the appointment. "

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