Bush may name World Bank chief this week

President George W. Bush is likely to announce this week a candidate to replace World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, who resigned after a storm of criticism over a salary increase for his companion, White House spokesman Tony Snow said yesterday.

"I think we're getting pretty close," Mr Snow said aboard Air Force One as Mr Bush made a visit to Georgia.

Mr Snow said it was likely Mr Bush would announce his selection this week but declined to say whether he had already made his decision. Mr Wolfowitz steps down on June 30.

The top contenders include former US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick, 53, and US Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt, 59, according to Republican sources, with Zoellick seen as the stronger candidate.

Among other names that have been mentioned are Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer, 63; former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, 79; and US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, 53, although Republican sources say Mr Fischer and Mr Volcker seem unlikely. Another possibility, former Tennessee Republican Sen. Bill Frist, has said he does not want the job.

A spokesman for US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who is charged with recommending a nominee to replace Mr Wolfowitz, declined to comment on the selection process.

Mr Bush has said he wants an American to succeed Mr Wolfowitz, despite increasing calls from World Bank member countries and some US lawmakers to throw the process open to a global pool of candidates.