WHY DOES WORLD BANK ALLOW WOLFOWITZ TO STAY UNTIL JUNE 30?

I don't understand how The World Bank could have agreed to allow Paul Wolfowitz to remain president until June 30. If he has indeed resigned, then The World Bank should require that he clear out his desk and leave immediately. As president for another 45 days, Wolfowitz can do a lot of additional damage to The World Bank.

Peter S. Goodman in The Washington Post writes that The World Bank will issue limitations today on what Wolfowitz may or may not do in his remaining time.

"According to bank and Bush administration sources briefed on the negotiations, the White House on Wednesday demanded that Wolfowitz be allowed to stay for three months, fearing that otherwise an acting president would be put in place from within the bank. That could threaten the traditional American prerogative to select the head of the institution.
"They don't want to lose control," a bank official said.


"Most of the board, and particularly the Europeans, wanted Wolfowitz to leave immediately, asserting that he has lost the trust of the staff. The administration ultimately settled for a compromise, the June 30 departure date, fearing that otherwise a caretaker president might be inserted by the board over American wishes . . .

"A bank official briefed by board members said the board would today issue a second statement asserting that Wolfowitz is immediately barred from making personnel and policy decisions, assuaging the fears of some that he might otherwise fire those who have rallied against him. But in a nod to the interests of the Bush administration, the board will assert that Wolfowitz is to stay on officially in his post and will not go on administrative leave, as many staff members had hoped."

Goodman also writes of the jubilation of staff and employees of The World Bank when they received the news of Wolfowitz' resignation:

"Staff members described a celebratory mood inside the World Bank's headquarters near the White House, with people embracing, singing songs and hoisting flutes of Champagne."