Wolfensohn appointed special envoy to Gaza

Wolfensohn has been assigned the job of smoothing the way for Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Outgoing World Bank chief James Wolfensohn has been named as special envoy of the Middle East, with the job of smoothing the way for Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

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UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EU representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solanahave on Thursday announced that Wolfensohn would focus on Palestinian political reforms and economic needs but not security issues.

The new mission he has been asked to undertake is to lead, oversee and coordinate the international community's efforts to support Israeli disengagement. He will report to the Quartet.

"We have an opportunity right now to help Israelis and Palestinians build trust with one another and achieve the peace and security they both desire. President (George W) Bush is determined to seize the opportunity to help both sides reach their goal," Rice said.