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Wolfowitz backs more aid for Africa

Eoghan Williams
Monday 20 June 2005 00:00 BST
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The controversial president of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, who led the Pentagon's charge for war in Iraq, surprised critics last night by giving his backing to Tony Blair's plan for an increase in aid for Africa.

The controversial president of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, who led the Pentagon's charge for war in Iraq, surprised critics last night by giving his backing to Tony Blair's plan for an increase in aid for Africa.

The former secretary of defence said he would "love" to see more aid, despite President George Bush's reservations.

On a six-day visit to Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Rwanda and South Africa, Mr Wolfowitz said he focused on listening and tried to move his image beyond that of a key architect of the US war in Iraq. Speaking on his return from his first trip to southern Africa, Mr Wolfowitz said: "I would love to see a massive increase in aid."

He had said that throwing money at problems such as Africa's had not worked. But, he said after his trip: "I have a lot more confidence after what I have seen." Mr Wolfowitz also backed Mr Blair's demand that aid must be tied to reform.

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