A senior adviser to Paul Wolfowitz, the president of the World Bank, has said that he will resign.

 

Kellems cited the difficulties caused by the controversy surrounding Wolfowitz's handling of a pay package for his girlfriend as reason for his departure.

On Monday, Kevin Kellems said: "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.

"Therefore, I have decided to leave for other opportunities."

Wolfowitz had tapped Kellems, who came from the White House and had worked at the US defence department with Wolfowitz, to become his adviser at the World Bank.

Criticism

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Kellems' arrival in June 2005 eventually touched off criticism among staff that Wolfowitz was sealing himself off with a small cadre of trusted advisors.

A special bank panel looking into Wolfowitz handling of the 2005 promotion and pay raises for bank employee Shaha Riza is also believed to be examining other employment arrangements, including Kellems.

Kellems and another close Wolfowitz adviser Robin Cleveland each are paid more than $200,000 - compensation that also has irked some bank staff.

Critics say they lacked extensive development experience.

Kellems' last day is expected to be next week. He did not say what he will do after leaving the bank.