US Secretary of State Colin Powell announced his resignation in a letter released today, saying it was time for him to return to private life.
The White House also released letters of resignation from Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman and Education Secretary Rod Paige.
‘‘I believe now that the election is over the time has come for me to step down as Secretary of State and return to private life,’’ Powell said in a letter to President George W Bush.
‘‘I, therefore, resign as the 65th Secretary of State, effective at your pleasure,’’ Powell wrote.