Incoming Chief Asks Officials to Resign

New U.N. chief Kofi Annan has asked for the resignations of most top U.N. officials, a spokesman said. The move apparently was prompted by the unusual extension of some officials’ contracts by outgoing Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. U.N. officials who declined to be identified said Annan is expected to rehire many of the 23 officials whom he has asked to resign, while picking a few key aides for choice positions. Requesting the resignations “puts everyone on an equal footing,” said Fred Eckhard, acting spokesman for Annan until he takes office Jan. 1. “It’s the fairest and cleanest way to deal with this issue.” While it is not uncommon for an incoming secretary-general to appoint his own deputies, Annan is believed to be the first to formally make the request.