2007年VOA标准英语-World Bank Nominee Zoellick in Europe After Afr

By Scott Bobb
Johannesburg
11 June 2007

President Bush's nominee¹ to be the next head of the World Bank is on a three-continent trip aimed at familiarizing himself with some of the Bank's financiers and customers. Robert Zoellick is in Europe after visiting three African countries last week. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Johannesburg.

Incoming World Bank president Robert Zoellick addresses a press conference in Pretoria, 09 June 2007

The U.S. choice to be the next head of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick, concluded the Africa leg of his trip in South Africa. He said that during five days of meetings on the continent African officials and aid workers voiced concerns about job creation, energy, health and education.

"There is a combination here [in Africa] of focus on infrastructure² development to create foundations for growth, social investment and attention to overcoming poverty, but doing so in a way that also creates broad based, sustainable economic growth and investment through the private sector," he said.

Zoellick acknowledged complaints by some African leaders that World Bank loans are hampered³ by too many restrictions⁴. But he said some conditions are necessary to ensure responsible lending. He praised what he called a new generation of African leaders who are taking responsibility for their countries.

Zoellick said he found a strong consensus⁵ on the link between economic growth and peace and security. Other common themes were promoting good governance and fighting corruption⁶.

Zoellick noted⁷ that the world is increasingly focused on global security, politics and economics, but said trade and cooperation with specific regions and countries remain important.

"You have to sort of think globally but act locally," he said. "And in that sense, the real key is developing these partnerships⁸ whether it be with Africa or with China."

Zoellick flew to South Africa after visiting Ghana, where he met with West African officials and aid organizations, and Ethiopia where he met with officials of the African Union.

Zoellick, a former U.S. trade representative who is currently a vice-chairman of a Wall Street investment firm, was nominated to replace Paul Wolfowitz.

Wolfowitz is due to step down on June 30. He resigned as World Bank president after its board of governors determined⁹ he had violated Bank rules by approving a large pay raise for an employee with whom he was in a romantic relationship.

1 nominee   

n.被提名者；被任命者；被推荐者

参考例句：

• His nominee for vice president was elected only after a second ballot.他提名的副总统在两轮投票后才当选。
• Mr.Francisco is standing as the official nominee for the post of District Secretary.弗朗西斯科先生是行政书记职位的正式提名人。

2 infrastructure   

n.下部构造，下部组织，基础结构，基础设施

参考例句：

• We should step up the development of infrastructure for research.加强科学基础设施建设。
• We should strengthen cultural infrastructure and boost various types of popular culture.加强文化基础设施建设，发展各类群众文化。

3 hampered   

妨碍，束缚，限制( hamper的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• The search was hampered by appalling weather conditions. 恶劣的天气妨碍了搜寻工作。
• So thought every harassed, hampered, respectable boy in St. Petersburg. 圣彼德堡镇的那些受折磨、受拘束的体面孩子们个个都是这么想的。

4 restrictions   

约束( restriction的名词复数 )； 管制； 制约因素； 带限制性的条件（或规则）

参考例句：

• I found the restrictions irksome. 我对那些限制感到很烦。
• a snaggle of restrictions 杂乱无章的种种限制

5 consensus   

n.(意见等的)一致，一致同意，共识

参考例句：

• Can we reach a consensus on this issue?我们能在这个问题上取得一致意见吗？
• What is the consensus of opinion at the afternoon meeting?下午会议上一致的意见是什么？

6 corruption   

n.腐败，堕落，贪污

参考例句：

• The people asked the government to hit out against corruption and theft.人民要求政府严惩贪污盗窃。
• The old man reviled against corruption.那老人痛斥了贪污舞弊。

7 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

8 partnerships   

n.伙伴关系( partnership的名词复数 )；合伙人身份；合作关系

参考例句：

• Partnerships suffer another major disadvantage: decision-making is shared. 合伙企业的另一主要缺点是决定要由大家来作。 来自英汉非文学 - 政府文件
• It involved selling off limited partnerships. 它涉及到售出有限的合伙权。 来自辞典例句

9 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。