US to propose Zoellick to head World Bank

WASHINGTON - The United States will propose Robert Zoellick, a former US trade representative and State Department official, as the next head of the World Bank, a senior administration official said Tuesday.
President George W. Bush will announce his backing for Zoellick on Wednesday, the official said.
"Bob Zoellick`s experience and long career in international trade, finance and diplomacy make him uniquely prepared to take on this challenge," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
"He has the trust and respect of many officials around the world and believes deeply in the World Bank`s mission of tackling poverty."
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson had consulted with other countries in the search and the choice of Zoellick was received favorably, the official said, declining to name the countries.
"We`ve received positive reaction, and we think sufficient for him to become the World Bank president," the official said. "We are very confident on that."

05/29/2007 21:02 GMT