United Nations - The UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan, wished the chief weapons inspector, Mr Richard Butler, well after he leaves his post in June but said the real issue was how to proceed with disarmament in Iraq, his spokesman said.
Mr Butler said this week that he would not seek a renewal of his two-year contract when it expires in June. He is executive chairman of the UN Special Commission or UNSCOM, charged with ridding Iraq of weapons of mass destruction.
Mr Annan, who has complained about Mr Butler's outspoken style, "took note of Ambassador Butler's intention and wished him well," the UN spokesman said.