Jan 18, 2008 3:30 pm US/Eastern
No Explosives Found In World Bank
Offices Remained Closed Friday Due To Investigation, Will Open Tuesday
WASHINGTON (AP) ―
World Bank security units working with law enforcement officials found no indication of explosives in a search of buildings the bank owns or in which it leases space, a spokeswoman for the bank said Friday.
The offices remained closed Friday and will reopen Tuesday after Monday's holiday dedicated to civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr., said the spokeswoman, who would not let her name be used because she is not authorized to discuss security matters.
Earlier, in a posting on the World Bank's Internet site, the bank said: "World Bank Group Corporate Security is investigating a bomb threat received by telephone. The Bank is working with law enforcement officials to determine the validity of the threat.
"As a precautionary measure, Bank Group management has decided to close all World Bank Group leased and owned buildings in Washington on Friday, Jan. 18."
The World Bank is near the White House in downtown Washington. Meetings of the bank and the International Monetary Fund across the street have been frequent targets of street protests.
The bank, which makes loans to poor countries, employs about
8,000 people in Washington.
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