MEDIA REACTION - WORLD BANK PRESIDENT AND HIS ROLE IN IRAQ

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000828

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, WHA/EPSC STATE FOR
INR/IAA, PM, INL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO CI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - WORLD BANK PRESIDENT AND HIS ROLE IN IRAQ


1. On May 18, government-owned, editorially independent "La Nacion"
(circ. 4,200) carried an editorial by international analyst Raul
Sohr entitled "The Unacceptable Wolfowitz." Quotes follow:


2. "Wolfowitz...is largely responsible for the invasion of Iraq...
and in Washington he is known for his ambition and ongoing feuds
with his opponents.... Upon arriving at the World Bank, he began
preaching against corruption and nepotism...(but) appointed his
acquaintances...(such as) Kevin Kellems, who knows little about
development... and Juan Dabout, whose trajectory includes active
work with several right-wing governments in El Salvador.... This
nepotism reached a maximum point when he named his girlfriend to the
U.S. Department of State, Middle East Bureau... earning twice as
much as is allowed by government statutes.


3. "Wolfowitz is responsible for unleashing one of the most
disastrous wars of recent times.... And, as if this were not
enough, he contaminated the World Bank with his practice of
favoritism and the imposition of policies by eliminating his
opponents. It is unbelievable that he did not resign before. But
what is most disconcerting is how President Bush supported him in
the face of the Europeans' request to replace him."

KELLY