North envoy expected to announce resignation

The US envoy to Northern Ireland, Richard Haass, is expected to announce his resignation next week amid growing speculation that he has become disillusioned with the Northern Ireland post.

Mr Haass is said to have accepted the presidency of the Council on Foreign Relations, a high-powered group of business, union and political leaders that advises government on foreign relations.

A Council on Foreign Relations spokeswoman yesterday declined to say if Mr Haass would be taking up the post but said an announcement would be made next Monday.