Colin Powell dismisses rumours of World Bank role

MANAUS, Brazil, Nov 17 (AFP) - Outgoing US Secretary of State Colin Powell on Wednesday dismissed Washington dinner party rumours that he is being asked to head the World Bank.
"I am flattered by the speculation but I have no plan to join the World Bank," Powell told reporters here on a brief stop en route to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Chile.
The mandate of the current head of the World Bank James Wolfensohn runs out in June 2006, and the Washington rumour mill has touted Powell as a likely replacement.
The US' chief diplomat, whose resignation was announced Monday, offered his congratulations to White House national security advisor Condoleezza Rice who has been nominated by President George W. Bush as his replacement.
"I offered my congratulation," Powell said, adding "I am quite confident it (the transition) will go smoothly. I am sure she will do a great job as secretary of state."

11/17/2004 20:40 GMT - AFP