Team Unity lead in Maguindanao stinks of Palace cheating, says GO

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Embattled World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz sought a resignation deal ahead of a new bank meeting Thursday to discuss the scandal over his girlfriend's pay package.

The longtime ally of US President George W. Bush was reported to be willing to resign as long as the bank took some of the blame for its advice on the controversial pay raise he negotiated for his companion.

European countries have pushed hard for the former deputy defense secretary's departure from the 185-country bank and even White House support has waned in recent days as the controversy deepened.

At issue is Wolfowitz's role in arranging a generous promotion and pay package for his companion and fellow bank employee, Shaha Riza, after he took the helm in 2005.