The World Bank's president Paul Wolfowitz is facing calls for his resignation after it was revealed that a promotion (be) awarded to his girlfriend. Mr Wolfowitz (say) the way he (handle) the matter (is) a mistake and he (apologise) .

When Mr Wolfowitz (take) over the presidency of the bank, his partner, Shaha Riza, (be) an employee. Under bank rules, she (can) not work directly to him, so she (be) seconded to the State Department, but at the same time, given a large salary increase and a promotion.

The World Bank Staff Association claims that she (receive) preferential treatment on the orders of Mr Wolfowitz. He doesn't accept that, but he does accept that he (make) mistakes in handling the issue and he's apologised. Still, the Staff Association wants him to resign.

Even before this crisis, Mr Wolfowitz's leadership of the bank had been highly controversial. He (clash) frequently with insiders who regarded his management style and his policies as unacceptable, in particular, his insistence that bank help for poor nations be tied in future to their willingness to root out corruption.

BBC News, Washington