BUSH NAMES JEW TO HELP PALIS RECONSTRUCT GAZA STRIP

World Bank leader to push reforms
President Bush chose the outgoing World Bank president to coordinate efforts to reform Palestinian infrastructure.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice named James Wolfensohn [ED. Who is Jewish] as an envoy for the diplomatic “Quartet” — a coalition of the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia — focused on political and economic reform of the Palestinian Authority and efforts to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after Israel withdraws this summer. “The responsibility for peace ultimately rests with the two parties, and Mr. Wolfensohn can only help them achieve what they are willing to achieve together,” Rice said. “His mission is to work closely with Israeli and Palestinian officials to promote cooperation and ensure a smooth transition in Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. He will also encourage more direct contacts between the Israelis and the Palestinians themselves.”

Wolfensohn officially will begin his duties June 1 and report to the Quartet, Rice said. Wolfensohn announced his resignation earlier this year and will be replaced by former Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz.