WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) - The World Bank is pausing future work with Tunisia after statements by the country's president on migrants from African countries triggered racist harassment and violence, World Bank President David Malpass told staff in a note seen by Reuters. He said the World Bank viewed the situation as deeply concerning, but viewed steps announced by the Tunisian government to protect and support migrants and refugees as a positive step and would be monitoring their impact. He said the bank was working to ensure the safety of all its staff in Tunisia, and especially Africans, including through additional security measures. The safety measures could affect delivery of World Bank programs, but "staff safety will override program-related concerns," Malpass said. The World Bank has been a major donor to Tunisia, helping it finance food imports and business development as the government seeks an International Monetary Fund bailout for it state finances.

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