World Bank panel misses deadline on Wolfowitz

Bank officials said the committee was also preparing a recommendation on what the full board should do in light of its findings but would not be disclosing that to Wolfowitz. The panel is considering whether to recommend an outright removal or some kind of no-confidence vote that may persuade him to resign. This part of the conclusion is not likely to become known until later, bank officials said. The committee8217;s delay in drafting its conclusions made it likely that deliberations over Wolfowitz would be delayed at least until the end of the week. Wolfowitz has rebuffed suggestions that he resign and has accused critics of waging a 8220;smear campaign8221; to force him out.

In a related development, a top Wolfowitz aide resigned today, saying the controversy surrounding the development lender made it difficult for him to be effective.

Kevin Kellems, the director of strategy and an adviser to Wolfowitz since June 2005, said he has quit to pursue other opportunities.

8220;Given the current environment surrounding the leadership of the World Bank Group, it is very difficult to be effective in helping to advance the mission of the institution,8221; he said.