Bush says Wolfowitz seeking what's best for bank

WASHINGTON, May 17 (Reuters) President George W Bush said today that World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has an interest in doing what is best for the bank, but declined to comment on his future at the institution.

As the World Bank's board was meeting behind closed doors to discuss a possible deal in which Wolfowitz would resign, Bush said, ''I regret that it's come to this.'' ''All I can tell you is Paul Wolfowitz has an interest in what's best for the bank,'' Bush said at a news conference with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

A board panel issued issued a report on Monday that found Wolfowitz broke ethics rules in the handling of a pay raise and promotion for his companion.

REUTERS PB BD2237