Wolfensohn gets new ME role
2005-04-14 21:04
Washington - Outgoing World Bank chief James Wolfensohn on Thursday became special representative of the Middle East "quartet" with the job of smoothing Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
"I look forward to assisting the Israelis and the Palestinian as they strive to reach and implement a peaceful solution that restores hope and confidence to the people of the region," he said in a statement released by the World Bank.
Wolfensohn, 71, will focus on Palestinian political reforms and economic needs and will report to the quartet, which groups the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations.
"I am deeply honoured to have been appointed by the Quartet as special envoy for Gaza disengagement.
"I believe that there is no more important issue for global peace than an equitable and secure solution to this issue," he said.
The Australian-born Wolfensohn, a US citizen, will leave his post May 31 after a 10-year tenure and will be replaced by deputy US defence secretary Paul Wolfowitz.
- AFP