Bush chooses Zoellick to head World Bank

Former US trade representative Robert Zoellick has been chosen by President George W Bush as the new president of the World Bank.

Mr Bush announced his selection during a press conference at the White House, saying: "He has earned the trust and support of leaders from every region of the world. He is deeply devoted to the mission of the World Bank."

Ex-World Bank boss Paul Wolfowitz was forced to step down on May 17 weeks after it emerged he had authorised a hefty pay rise for his girlfriend, Middle East expert Shaha Riza.

He was a controversial choice having been an architect of the US-led invasion of Iraq in Iraq while serving as the second in command in the Bush administration's defence department.

Mr Bush had wanted an American to succeed Mr Wolfowitz, despite calls from World Bank member countries and some US politicians to open the process to candidates from around the world.

However, the World Bank board is unlikely to challenge the nomination of the 53-year-old as president.

Mr Zoellick left his job as deputy secretary of state last year to join Wall Street investment bank Goldman Sachs. He was tipped as a candidate to become Treasury Secretary but the role instead went to Goldman Sachs boss Henry Paulson.

Former Secretary of State James Baker said: "He's an outstanding choice. What he brings to the bank is an ability to get things done, an ability to work with people and an excellent reputation among foreign policy types across the world...something we badly need."

Some criticised the choice of yet another Bush loyalist in the position.

Democrat and chairman of the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, Barney Frank, said: "The second, high-ranking George W Bush administration foreign policy, national security official in a row, I think is a mistake,"

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