World Bank staff have expressed concerns that their credibility is eroding amidst the crisis surrounding the institution's embattled President Paul Wolfowitz.

"The credibility of our front line staff is eroding in the face of legitimate questions from our clients about the bank's ability to 'practice what it preaches' on governance," reads a letter, signed by a group of 32 officials in charge of the banks' anti-corruption strategy.

The letter was addressed to Paul Wolfowitz and the bank's executive board.

World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz faced calls to resign in the middle of April after admitting he helped his girlfriend land a high-paying job.

Libyan-born Shaha Riza was moved to the state department on secondment when Wolfowitz took the World Bank's top job in 2005, but her salary was still paid by the Bank.

Wolfowitz apologized for what he called a mistake, but failed to ease concerns among the staff of the bank.

"It is important not only for me but for the institution, that this matter not be resolved by a rush to judgment. That would only compound the damage to all concerned," Wolfowitz said in his latest comment.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!