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Senior Wolfowitz aide steps down | Senior Wolfowitz aide steps down |
(about 7 hours later) | |
A senior aide to embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has announced his resignation. | |
Kevin Kellems said an ongoing scandal surrounding his boss made it difficult for him to remain effective in his role at the Washington-based institution. | Kevin Kellems said an ongoing scandal surrounding his boss made it difficult for him to remain effective in his role at the Washington-based institution. |
Mr Wolfowitz has been mired in a controversy involving his handling of a pay package for his girlfriend. | Mr Wolfowitz has been mired in a controversy involving his handling of a pay package for his girlfriend. |
Mr Kellems, who had also worked with Mr Wolfowitz at the Pentagon, is expected to leave his post next week. | Mr Kellems, who had also worked with Mr Wolfowitz at the Pentagon, is expected to leave his post next week. |
"Given the current environment surrounding the leadership of the World Bank, it is very difficult to be effective in helping to advance the mission of the institution," Mr Kellems said. | "Given the current environment surrounding the leadership of the World Bank, it is very difficult to be effective in helping to advance the mission of the institution," Mr Kellems said. |
"I have tremendous respect and admiration for the Bank staff and management," he added. | "I have tremendous respect and admiration for the Bank staff and management," he added. |
Conflict of interest | |
Mr Kellems' sudden departure comes at a critical point in the investigation into whether Mr Wolfowitz acted properly over the authorisation of his girlfriend's promotion and pay increase in 2005. | |
The lingering controversy over the potential conflict of interest involving Shaha Riza, who is on the payroll of the World Bank, has prompted a growing chorus of voices calling for his resignation. | The lingering controversy over the potential conflict of interest involving Shaha Riza, who is on the payroll of the World Bank, has prompted a growing chorus of voices calling for his resignation. |
Critics argue the scandal is damaging the credibility of the global lender, amid a recently launched anti-corruption campaign. | Critics argue the scandal is damaging the credibility of the global lender, amid a recently launched anti-corruption campaign. |
Kevin is known among his colleagues for his emphasis on team-building and mentoring Marwan Muasher, World Bank | |
A special World Bank panel of directors has been looking into whether Mr Wolfowitz abused his powers and is expected to report its findings imminently to the wider 24-member board. | |
The Bank's shareholder governments will then decide on the president's fate. | |
The committee is also believed to be examining other controversial employment arrangements amid claims Mr Wolfowitz gave senior posts to trusted former colleagues, who did not have much relevant experience. | |
Mr Kellems was an adviser to the World Bank boss when he was Deputy Defence Secretary in the Bush administration and supported him in the run-up to the Iraq war. | |
"Kevin is known among his colleagues for his emphasis on team-building and mentoring, and for his work ethic and grace under pressure," said Marwan Muasher, senior vice president, external affairs at the World Bank. | |
"My colleagues and I enjoyed working with him and will miss him." |