MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“U2” singer Bono, World Bank president candidate

United States Secretary of the Treasury John Snow did not discard Bono from the Irish rock group “U2”, and a great fighter for the cancelling of poor countries debts, as a candidate to preside over the multilateral World Bank, WB.

In an interview with ABC television, Mr. Snow said he admired Bono because "he has done many good things in the field of world economic development".

Mr. Snow is one of several US officials who must select a candidate to replace outgoing WB president James Wolfensohn when the leaves next June.

When specifically asked about Bono's candidacy Mr. Snow answered he wouldn't go over the list, "but just say I have great admiration for Bono.

"The Irish musician in a way is also a great rock star of the developing world. He understands the take and give of development. He's very pragmatic, effective and idealist", highlighted Mr. Snow.

Actually Bono with Mr. Snow' predecessor Paul O'Neill, made a well remembered tour of the African continent to assess the impact of poverty and illness, such as Aids.

However, according to an agreement dating back to the forties, the WB president must be a US citizen, and equally the head of the IMF a European.

And on this occasion apparently tradition will prevail, "I believe it will be so, as is expected by the Economy ministers of the G 7 and all participants in the selection process", revealed Mr. Snow.

"I've received several calls from European colleagues who want the WB president to be American".

Among the most outstanding candidates for the WB presidency are Paul Wolfowitz, number two in the Pentagon; John Taylor Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs and the Hewlett-Packard CEO Carla Fiorina.