Pentagon hawk Paul Wolfowitz to run World Bank

Mr Wolfowitz has earned a reputation as a hawk during his time as Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's deputy, and was a strong advocate of the Iraq war.

"He is a man of good experience, he has helped manage a large organisation," President George W Bush said.

The current World Bank president said in January he would leave this year.

Privately, James Wolfensohn made it clear that he had wanted to continue but had failed to get White House backing.

He was appointed by Democrat former President Bill Clinton, and will be leaving on 1 June after 10 years in charge.

The White House has began notifying other nations of its choice earlier in the day, according to news agency reports.

The World Bank numbers 184 states among its members, and is responsible for leading global efforts to promote economic development and reduce poverty.

It is traditional for the US president to nominate the head of the World Bank, while the head of the International Monetary Fund usually comes from a European country.

The list of candidates rumoured to be in the running to take over from him included Carly Fiorina, the recently ousted boss of giant computer firm Hewlett-Packard.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4354839.stm