24/03/05

TEAR Fund opposed to Paul Wolfowitz World Bank appointment

Christian relief and development agency TEAR Fund New Zealand is opposed to the nomination of America's Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz as president of the World Bank.

TEAR Fund is concerned Wolfowitz's succession to the World Bank presidency will destroy the organisation's credibility amongst the NGO community, the developing world, and America's European allies.

Wolfowitz, who was nominated by President George W Bush, is widely regarded as the architect of the controversial Iraq war.

"At TEAR Fund we are concerned the appointment of Wolfowitz will damage the legitimacy the World Bank has worked so hard to establish. His presidency risks the bank becoming seen as a tool of controversial U.S. foreign policy," says TEAR Fund Executive Director Stephen Tollestrup.

Wolfowitz is due to be instated as president of the World Bank on March 31st.

ENDS

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