:: Senior State Department Official Resigns
The State Department official responsible for hiring private security contractors to guard diplomats In Iraq announced his resignation Wednesday amid criticism that his office failed to provide oversight of the firms in the war-torn country.
Richard Griffin, the assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security, announced that he would step down on November 1.
"As I submit my resignation and move on to new challenges, I do so with the realization that the senior management team that is in place in (diplomatic security) is extremely well qualified to confront the many challenges which lie ahead," Griffin said in his resignation letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Times.
Griffin, a former Secret Service agent, was once in charge of presidential protection.
His office has drawn increased scrutiny since September 16, when Blackwater USA guards protecting a diplomatic convoy killed 17 Iraqi civilians in Baghdad, an incident that an Iraqi investigation found to be unjustified. Since the incident, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has ordered oversight measures suggested by a review panel, which include tighter rules for engagement and cultural training.
Also as a part of the overhaul is that Steven Browning, currently U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, will be appointed to oversee security operations in Iraq.