Perle Says He Plans to Stay on Job for ‘Foreseeable Future’

Richard Perle vehemently denied reports today that he plans to resign as assistant defense secretary of international policy, adding that he plans to stay on “for the foreseeable future.”

Unidentified Pentagon officials said Tuesday that Perle, known for his tough stance on arms control that has upset the State Department, informed Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger several weeks ago of his plans to resign.

But today Perle told reporters, “No, I’m not resigning.”

While refusing to comment on whether he would retain his post through the remaining two years of the Reagan Administration, Perle said, “I’m here for the foreseeable future.”