Bush wants an American to lead World Bank

WASHINGTON, May 22 (Reuters) President George W Bush said yesterday he wants an American to succeed Paul Wolfowitz as president of the World Bank, playing down speculation he might turn to departing British Prime Minister Tony Blair for the job.

Wolfowitz's resignation announced last week has prompted calls from some Europeans for one of their own to serve as World Bank president.

''We'd very much like it to be an American,'' Bush told Reuters in an interview.

He said Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is in charge of the search for Wolfowitz's successor and will take to Bush a list of those he thinks would be good for the job.

Asked if his close ally Blair might be a candidate, Bush said: ''I haven't talked to Tony Blair about it, but I do think it'd be good to have an American run the bank.'' Wolfowitz resigned following accusations that he authorized a pay raise for his companion.

Bush did not say when he would make up his mind on who to pick as the next World Bank president, but aides said a decision was imminent.

REUTERS KK PM0415