President George W. Bush paved the way for Paul Wolfowitz´s resignation as president of the World Bank with valedictory praise yesterday, as Mr Wolfowitz and the board remained locked in tense negotiations over the terms of his exit.

布什向记者表示："我对事情发展到这种地步感到遗憾。我敬佩沃尔福威茨。我敬佩他的良知，尤其是他对穷人的关注。"

Mr Bush told reporters: "I regret that it has come to this. I admire Paul Wolfowitz. I admire his heart and I particularly admire his focus on the poor."

他补充称："我知道保罗愿意为世行工作，愿意确保使世行关注于最为重要的事情。我赞赏他的远见，对他十分尊重。我对此表示遗憾。"

"I know Paul has an interest in working for the bank and making sure it focuses on things that matter. I applaud his vision and respect him a lot. I regret this," he added.