EU wants hearing with Wolfowitz

[truthpusher]

EU wants hearing with Wolfowitz
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40 minutes ago
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BRUSSELS (AFP) - The European Union (news - web sites) wants an opportunity to hear US nominee for World Bank (news - web sites) chief Paul Wolfowitz to quiz him on his views of how he would run the key development institution, EU ministers said.

EU finance ministers discussed Wolfowitz's controversial nomination by US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) over dinner at the start of a summit of the 25-member bloc's leaders Brussels.

Austria's Karl-Heinz Grasser, asked if Wolfowitz could present his views to the next meeting of EU finance ministers scheduled for April 11-12, said that would be too late.

"We need to hear from him on a European level before then. We need to know his basic position on the (UN) millennium development goals, and his view of how he would lead the World Bank," he said after the dinner.

more: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050322/bs_afp/euworldbankus_050322222541

[phantom power]

1. wouldn't it be something if they reject him.

[0007]

2. junior would send in Wolf Blitzer - A man with real creditability

[pinto]

3. yeah, I bet they do. Sooner the better..n/t

[DoYouEverWonder]

4. I bet they don't throw no soft balls either?

this isn't going to be like Congress that gets all polite whenever Wolfie comes around.

[leveymg]

5. What do they think the WB is? A democratic institution?

You'll be told what Wolfie decides to do when he does it. Just like the rest of us.

There will be formation after the evening meal tonight. Ten-mile march, full gear. March!

[gademocrat7]

6. Wolfie won't be in his fantasy based world

When he meets with EU members. The encounter will be quite uncomfortable for Wolfie. The EU are not yes men.

[Gyre]

7. I can't imagine this occuring.

Wolfie will never agree to it.

Gyre

[American in Asia]

8. I disagree...

I think it WILL occur, if for no other reason than that the Bush administratoin needs to give an illusion of true European consultation and assent.

Sadly, though, I think he's already as good as approved -- so far, Japan, Canada, Germany, and the UK (others? can't remember, I'm too depressed) have all said they will concur with Wolfie's appointment. Unless the developing world can unite behind an alternate candidate (they do control a lot of shares of votes) and make a push themselves (which many EU members would be happy to support) it's game, set, match to Bush.

I'm really stunned- I thought the Europeans would show more spine on this one too, particularly after the US rejected Germany's candidate for the IMF.
:grr: :argh:

[Jack Rabbit]

9. BBC Link

EDITED for typing

From the BBC Online
Dated Wednesday March 23 01:03 GMT (Tuesday 5:03 pm PST)

EU is 'concerned' over Wolfowitz

EU finance ministers said they have "concerns" about the appointment of Paul Wolfowitz as president of the World Bank.

Calling him a serious candidate, they said that they wanted the opportunity to talk to him regarding his policies before he is confirmed in the post.

Earlier, they approved changes to the rules that govern the euro.

The new rules will give governments greater freedom to boost spending in time of economic downturn.

I say give him a fair hearing and reject him. If he shows up in The Hague, arrest him.

[ninty]

10. At least their thinking about it

and not just waiting by the wayside until something happens.