Washington ? Embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz sought a face-saving agreement Wednesday that would allow him to resign under his own terms and escape some blame for the conflict of interest involving his girlfriend’s generous pay deal.

The negotiations, disclosed by officials familiar with them, took place as the bank’s board deliberated Wolfowitz’s fate.

The board’s meeting ended Wednesday without a resolution. Deliberations were to resume this morning.

Wolfowitz wanted the bank to accept some responsibility for the conflicts cited by a special bank committee, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicate state of negotiations at the bank.

It was not clear whether the bank’s 24-member board would accept Wolfowitz’s terms. It is up to the board to decide what action should be taken in the matter.