19 June 2006
Word on the street has been confirmed--the former Spanish Foreign Minister will become Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the World Bank. Ana Palacio will also serve as Secretary General of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
On June 16, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz announced that the search for a new Senior Vice President and General Counsel had ended with the selection of Ana Palacio. Since the departure of Roberto Danino at the beginning of this year, Ms. Palacio has been the acting General Counsel. Prior to her work with the World Bank, Palacio served as the Spanish Foreign Minister.
Her support of the US-led invasion of Iraq has made her a very controversial figure. It is likely that the pivotal role Palacio played in the pro-US government of Jose Maria Aznar will fuel concerns that Wolfowitz continues to surround himself with a few close, like-minded allies while simultaneously closing himself off from constructive criticism or differing opinions.
Additional Resources