Brussels, 03/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission spokesman has denied reports that President Prodi has declared that the EU candidate for the top job at the IMF does not stand a chance because of US opposition. On the contrary, Mr Koch-Weser continues to have the full support of all the Community institutions, first and foremost the Commission. Mr Prodi is in contact with American authorities and still hopes they will change their position, especially following the positive result of the first "consultative vote" held on Thursday in Washington.
The European candidate came out first in this vote, well ahead of the US and Japanese candidates. President Clinton has allegedly assured that a European candidate, even German, would be welcome provided he is more qualified than the current candidate for such a role.