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Statements: World Bank Board, Paul Wolfowitz
Washington, May 17, 2007
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Over the last three days we have considered carefully the report of the ad hoc group, the associated documents, and the submissions and presentations of Mr. Wolfowitz. Our deliberations were greatly assisted by our discussion with Mr Wolfowitz. He assured us that he acted ethically and in good faith in what he believed were the best interests of the institution, and we accept that. We also accept that others involved acted ethically and in good faith. At the same time, it is clear from this material that a number of mistakes were made by a number of individuals in handling the matter under consideration, and that the Bank's systems did not prove robust to the strain under which they were placed. One conclusion we draw from this is the need to review the governance framework of the World Bank Group, including the role as well as procedural and other aspects of the Ethics Committee. The Executive Directors accept Mr. Wolfowitz's decision to resign as President of the World Bank Group, effective end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2007). The Board will start the nomination process for a new President immediately...
STATEMENT OF PAUL WOLFOWITZ
I am pleased that after reviewing all the evidence the Executive Directors of the World Bank Group have accepted my assurance that I acted ethically and in good faith in what I believed were the best interests of the institution, including protecting the rights of a valued staff member.
The poorest people of the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa deserve the very best that we can deliver. Now it is necessary to find a way to move forward.
To do that, I have concluded that it is in the best interests of those whom this institution serves for that mission to be carried forward under new leadership. Therefore, I am announcing today that I will resign as President of the World Bank Group effective at the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2007).
The World Bank Group is a critical institution with a noble mission, that of enabling the world's poor – and particularly the more than a billion men, women and children who struggle to survive on less than a dollar a day – to escape the shackles of poverty. I have had the privilege of visiting World Bank Group staff and programs in some 25 developing countries in the last two years. I've had a chance to see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears how eager people are to work hard if they have a chance for a good job, how excited children are to have a chance for the first time to go to school, and how willing parents are to sacrifice so that their children can have a better future.
It has been truly inspirational to be able to help them achieve their goals and it is a privilege for all of us in the World Bank Group to have a chance, every day that we come to work, to make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. I am grateful to have enjoyed that privilege for nearly two years and I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a team.
We provided record levels of support last year to the poorest countries of the world, $9.5 billion, through the International Development Agency (IDA) and we are headed to a new record this year. Half of that support is going to Sub-Saharan African countries, also setting new records;
This is not an exhaustive description of the work of the World Bank Group – or even just the part that I have been involved in – but I need to mention one more thing: the importance of the World Bank partnership with the developed countries to promote sustainable global development:
I suppose I could make light of all this and write a cutesy poem such as "Ode to a Neocon Resignation" but in fact this is more of the same of the 'priviledge of corruption' typical of the Republicans of the USA. I think the USA needs to apologize to the Executive Committee of the World Bank for 'taking advantage' of their lack of infrastructure to successfully deal with these highly invasive aspect of our society.
The only reason Paul Wolfowitz even entertained a position at the World Bank was to have the authoritarian figure of this paramour. Just that simple. He was content making war not love conducting it from morning until night as assistant to Rumsfeld. Being President of The World Bank would provide 'time together' with an otherwise busy woman. The 'ultiimate' position for a man that only sees his priorities as the only priorities. Comfort of a woman and work that reaped them both financial benefits they would be otherwise be deprived. Doing the Lord's work while dipping into the Devil's pocketbook.
The World Bank is better today than yesterday but Wolfowitz's replacement will more than likely be someone as equally as horrible such as John Bolton or Steven Hadley. There is no good replacement while the Neocons "occupy" the Executive Branch. This is just another opportunity for Bush to play musical chairs rather than seeking a truly qualified person that will actually 'fit in' rather than assault an organization forever needed on this globe.
Today in the media, it isn't The World Bank that is elevated for it's firmness in protecting it's rules and laws, but, rather skepticism that it's presence in the future will be mostly nonexistant. I don't see that as a reality. The world outside the USA is not improving, terrorism is spreading due to impoverishment of people. Where impoverishment exists there is fundamental religion. In that understanding, all the suffering a people have to endure must have a reward if even in death and that is what brings extremists to the forefront of turbulent societies. Religious fervor needs to be replaced with economic structure and an appreciation that it serves the best interest of the populous and hence a value of materialism has it's place.
The mission of The World Bank is profoundly needed to combat the war populous around the world cannot fight themselves.
-It is in education of the poor in the face of incalculable odds when lives are laced with violence and poverty.
-A promise of tomorrow when at birth the future holds the same as death, a life of strife.
-Finding among medicine men and holy men, physicians and peacemakers.
-Funding the best of missions with the greatest return for world peace is not an easy task and certainly not one that has a temporal limit.
I thank the members of The World Bank for upholding high standards rather than submitting to the pressures of the corruption of the USA Executive Branch. I would have liked to witnessed a clean and concise resignation that would permanently cap the ability of Mr. Wolfowitz to continue to conduct himself in a priviledged manner, but, that is the plight of the USA electorate and not members of other nations. I wish them well in their endeavors as well as finding the changes within their infrastructure that protects the banks interests in furthering peace and prosperity while envisioning a world where protection of their achievements, prevention of a return of poverty and terrorists, will someday be their sole purpose.
