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.