Powell promised to work hard until the resignation

The top US diplomat and one of its most compelling political figures, the secretary of state &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2002/04/17/27703.html ' target=_blank>Colin Powell is going to resign, annouced on Monday. He will leave as soon as his successor is in place.

"I assure you, I'll be working hard until the very, very end," he told reporters at the state department, adding that he and President George W. &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/mailbox/ 22/101/399/14581_bushblair.html ' target=_blank>Bush came to a "mutual agreement" that it was time for him to resign, reports News24.

According to the Scotsman, the early indications emanating from the White House are that national security adviser &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2002/05/20/28992.html ' target=_blank>Condoleezza Riceis the most likely candidate to succeed Mr Powell.

Other names in the frame include America’s UN Ambassador John Danforth, a religious conservative. Paul Wolfowitz, the deputy defence secretary, and regarded as a hardliner, is also being mentioned.

Commentators in Washington believe that any of the candidates would more accurately reflect the mindset at the very top of the Bush administration than the ‘dovish’ Mr Powell.