EU calls on World Bank to quickly name successor to Wolfowitz

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Commission wants the World Bank to name a successor to outgoing President Paul Wolfowitz as soon as possible.

The E-U says "stable and strong political leadership" at the bank is important.

Wolfowitz announced yesterday he'll resign at the end of June. His leadership has been undermined by a furor over the compensation he arranged in 2005 for his girlfriend, a bank employee.

The White House says it'll move quickly to name a replacement candidate, which must be approved by the World Bank's board.

Former Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick; Robert Kimmitt, the second in command at the Treasury Department; and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson are thought to be possibilities.

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Paul Wolfowitz headshot, as World Bank President, over logo with RESIGNATION lettering, finished graphic