WASHINGTON, April 12 (AFP) - World Bank president James Wolfensohn, responding to an avalanche of criticism of his organization, on Wednesday defended the lending institution as a catalyst for social justice and poverty reduction.
Speaking to reporters ahead of spring meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, Wolfensohn said he was disturbed about actions expected to be launched by protesters to shut down the gatherings.
"Of course I'm concerned about the noise outside," Wolfensohn said.
"It's a bit demoralizing when you see that there's a mobilization for social justice when you think that's what we're doing every day."
Wolfensohn said the World Bank had "reached out extensively" to non-governmental organizations representing an array of people from around the world.
"We're ready to consult and discuss on any issue with anybody at any time," the World Bank chief said. "I just regret it when that debate is forestalled by an attempt to close down the meetings."
Security forces were on high alert here to deal with planned protests by anti-globalization demonstrators who have vowed to disrupt meetings of the IMF and World Bank policymaking committees on Sunday and Monday.
The Mobilization for Global Justice, which groups organized labor, faith-based movements, human rights campaigners and environmental activists, is coordinating a week of teach-ins and street theater that will climax in the two days of demonstrations.
The activists charge that IMF and World Bank policies have impoverished and exploited millions of people in developing countries and have devastated the environment.:
