World Bank Mulls Wolfowitz's Terms

The World Bank's board is negotiating an exit package for President Paul Wolfowitz that should end the conservative Republican's tumultuous two-year tenure that burst into acrimony over his role in directing a high-paying promotion for his girlfriend, board sources said yesterday. Details of a package, including financial compensation, are being discussed with Mr. Wolfowitz's lawyer. His departure could possibly include an acknowledgment from the World Bank that he doesn't bear sole responsibility for the controversy surrounding a generous pay package for his girlfriend.

Mr. Wolfowitz's lawyer said yesterday that his client will not resign under the current "cloud" and would rather push the matter to a vote of the World Bank's board to clear his name. Under a contract that he signed in June 2005 when he became World Bank president, Mr. Wolfowitz would receive a year's salary, or about $375,000, if his service were terminated by the World Bank board or if he resigned.

My response: Mr. Wolfowitz should be man enough to resign...without financial compensation. One cannot lead an anti-corruption initiative for donee countries - which is a necessary task - while being in a conflict of interest over promoting one's girlfriend. He may not have been solely responsible, bt he headed up the World Bank.