US govt wants an American to head World Bank

As the World Bank initiated the process to select its new head, the Obama Administration has asserted that it would have an American at the helm of affairs and there is no question of anyone else occupying it, as being sought after by the developing countries.

"Our expectation is that we will nominate a strong American candidate and we will put our full backing behind that person," the State Department spokesperson, Victoria Nuland, told reporters at her daily news conference.

When asked about the argument of the developing countries that the leadership structure at the World Bank needs to be open to more countries, Nuland said, in recent time, both at the Bank and at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the leadership structure has been more open to more countries.

"That said, with regard to the senior job at the World Bank, we fully expect that we will have an extremely strong American candidate," Nuland said.

The State Department remarks came as the World Bank started the process to select its new head, who would replace it current President, Robert Zoellick.

At its meeting last week, the World Bank Board said that the executive directors agreed that candidates should have a proven track record of leadership; experience of managing large organisations with international exposure, and a familiarity with the public sector; and the ability to articulate a clear vision of the World Bank Group's development mission.

March 23 is the last day for submission of application form. The candidate should also have a firm commitment to and appreciation for multilateral cooperation; and be effective and diplomatic communication skills, impartiality and objectivity in the performance of the responsibilities of the position.

The current term of Zoellick expires on June 30, 2012.

Image: Current World Bank President, Robert Zoellick.